News Broadcasting
Reader’s Digest to make television software
LOS ANGELES: The Reader’s Digest Association signed an agreement with the William Morris Agency to expand its brands into new entertainment distribution channels, including television, radio and motion pictures.
The alliance will capitalise on the publisher’s assets to create original media programming, movies, cross-promotional marketing opportunities and new businesses. Reader’s Digest publishes the world’s most widely read magazine as well as books, music CDs and videos, and other magazines including Taste of Home.
William Morris Agency’s job will not only be to capture the company’s existing content and channel it through various entertainment platforms, but to also create new content and revenue-generating opportunities. Reader’s Digest VP, development, Frank Lalli, said: “Everything that we produce will reflect our high standards and advance our mission to inform, entertain and inspire as many people as possible.”
To begin expanding the global publisher’s reach into the entertainment industry, the William Morris Agency will create and execute entertainment-based marketing and business initiatives in three key areas: original television and radio programming, cross-promotional marketing and new business ventures. Content that could serve as the basis for original television and radio programming will be identified. William Morris will create alliances with individual talent, including writers, directors and producers, who can work with Reader’s Digest to create that programming. Additionally, the agency will develop new revenue-generating business opportunities between Reader’s Digest and relevant media and entertainment properties. It will also create cross-marketing and promotional opportunities for various Readers’ Digest properties.
In addition, Reader’s Digest is developing franchises around how-to books on subjects ranging from health to computers, and this winter, it plans to launch a proprietary global multi-channel weight-control programme.
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.
