News Broadcasting
New Hindi news channel to spend Rs 400 mn on distribution
MUMBAI: Sai Prasad Media, part of the Rs 15 billion Sai Prasad Group, has earmarked Rs 400 million for the distribution of its upcoming national Hindi news channel on cable TV networks and DTH.
News Express, the full high definition (HD) format channel, will launch in July.
“We are gearing up to launch the channel by mid-July. We are spending Rs 400 million on distribution. All our distribution deals are done and it is our biggest cost,” said the channel CEO and editor Mukesh Kumar.
The channel has already signed carriage deals with all major multi-system operators (MSOs). “We have also signed up the direct-to-home (DTH) operators barring Tata Sky,” said Kumar.
Sai Prasad Media is headquartered at Noida, the hub for most national news channels.
“We have over 300 reporters across eights states,” said Kumar.
On the content front, Kumar said that the channel will focus on politics in every walk of life. “We will have special programming based on hardcore politics, politics in a corporate setup, politics at home, in social life, etc.”
Sai Prasad Group has varied interests in foods & beverage industry, agricultural products, petroleum, real estates, infrastructure, constructions, green energy, education and media and entertainment.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
