News Broadcasting
Nickelodeon & Summeripe Worldwide ink deal for character based grocery packaging in US
MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and Summeripe Worldwide, Inc. have completed a new multi-year licensing agreement to bring Nickelodeon’s popular characters, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora The Explorer, to grocers in the US, on kid-friendly packages of peaches, plums and nectarines.
The new Nickelodeon/Summeripe Worldwide agreements expands on the success of the licensing initiative launched by Nickelodeon in 2005 to encourage healthier diet and lifestyle choices for kids. Starting in the spring of 2007, Summeripe Worldwide will produce both loose and packaged offerings of yellow and white flesh peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots.
Using its characters to entice kids to try healthy food alternatives is just one of the ways Nickelodeon has been working to encourage healthy, balanced lifestyles for kids. The network has committed $30 million in resources and 10 per cent of its air to health and wellness messaging through programming and PSA campaigns, states an official release.
“Adding SpongeBob and Dora peaches, plums and nectarines to our successful assortment of Nickelodeon branded fruits and vegetables will make the produce aisle even more kid-friendly,” said Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products vice president Sherice Torres. “Nickelodeon is committed to encouraging kids to eat right and make healthy food choices.”
Pat Steider, President of Summeripe Worldwide Inc. stated, “This partnership with Nickelodeon is a great step-forward for Summeripe. We as a company want to be an industry leader in creating exciting opportunities for parents and children to have healthy and delicious kid-sized fresh fruit products. Nickelodeon’s importance in the minds and lives of children will accelerate our efforts of getting great tasting and nutritional fruit into children’s daily diet.”
Nickelodeon is in its fourth year of its pro-social initiative, “Let’s Just Play.” In 2005, “Let’s Just Play” entered into a partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation to combat the spread of childhood obesity. The three organisations combined forces on a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign, encouraging young people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.
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.
