News Broadcasting
Ofcom approves product placement on TV
MUMBAI: Ofcom, the UK media watchdog, has given its nod to product placement on British television. In a consultation paper issued on 19 December, the regulator gave a cautious welcome to the idea of advertisers paying for their brands to appear in programmes.
“In both principle and practice, Ofcom believes that a cautious approach to the introduction of product placement to the funding mix of UK commercial television has merit,” says a section of the paper.
UK media reports suggest that the move will sweep away the tightly regulated separation of editorial and advertising content on commercial television. It would leave broadcasters and independent producers free to negotiate deals with companies that produce everything from cars to washing powder.
Ofcom feels that the British market could be worth between £25m and £30m within five years. Under the proposed new rules, product placement would be banned from children’s shows, news bulletins and documentaries. Tobacco and prescription drugs would not be allowed.
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.
