News Broadcasting
News broadcast stuck in time warp, must evolve or die: Sudhir Chaudhary
MUMBAI: News broadcasting hasn’t had a proper makeover in two decades and is paying the price as viewers switch to sexier platforms, claims popular anchor Sudhir Chaudhary. Speaking on a Governance Now podcast with Sri Adhikari Brothers managing director Kailashnath Adhikari, , Chaudhary delivered a blunt diagnosis of the industry’s ailments.
“Least innovation has taken place in the news broadcast industry,” lamented the veteran journalist. “With nearly 400 news channels today, the big 10-15 follow identical breaking news formats with red alerts, similar headlines, and studios where anchors look remarkably alike—debating the same subjects with familiar panellists.”
The industry, he argues, has become obsessed with ratings rather than reinvention. “Experts in newsrooms study TRPs and suggest content creation based on popularity. Ninety-nine per cent of the industry functions in this reactive manner. The industry has lost its way.”
Chaudhary, who boasts 7.9 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), noted a telling shift in viewer language: “Earlier people said they watch me on TV, but now they say they follow me.”
While traditional news outlets flounder, social media influencers are cultivating massive audiences through innovative formats. Unlike cricket—which reinvented itself from five-day tests to T20 spectacles—television news remains trapped in amber, with the same stale formulas recycled night after night.
“Today the consumer has a plethora of available options,” Chaudhary observed. “News is available on WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, television, print and social media. You have to show the same story in different formats, durations and parts on different platforms.”
Looking ahead, Chaudhary—rumoured to be joining the National Broadcaster—says he craves “freedom to create content instead of chasing TRPs” and will seek alliances with social media creators. The message is clear: evolve or become yesterday’s news.
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.
