News Broadcasting
Sandy Smith the new editor of BBC’s flagship current affairs show ‘Panorama’
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC has announced that Sandy Smith is the new editor of Panorama which is BBC One’s flagship current affairs series.
He will take over the post in September. The appointment comes after the former Editor Mike Robinson announced in March this year that he was to step down and retire from the BBC.
Sandy has worked at the BBC since 1988. The majority of that time has been spent producing and directing programmes for the corporation’s current affairs department but since August 2005, he has been editor of the BBC ONE programme Watchdog.
BBC director of news Helen Boaden said, “Sandy has great flair in making creative television that delivers provocative, challenging and serious journalism to wide audiences. His energy and commitment will invigorate and refresh our most important current affairs programme.”
BBC head of current affairs George Entwistle says, “Sandy is an exciting addition to Current Affairs’ strong senior editorial team. His commitment to original journalism and creative programme-making will ensure Panorama tells the biggest and most relevant stories of our time in an accessible and engaging way.”
Smith said, “I am delighted to take over at Panorama which despite its long and illustrious career still has its best years ahead of it. I have enjoyed my time at Watchdog and will be very sad to part company with such a talented, young team but I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
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.
