News Broadcasting
Star threatens to black out Indian Cable Net in Kolkata
MUMBAI: Star India has served a one-month notice to Indian Cable Net (formerly RPG Netcom) threatening to black out its channels on grounds of non payment of dues.
The amount Star is claiming as dues, according to market information, is Rs 30-40 million. Indian Cable Net, however, refutes such claims, saying it has not defaulted on its monthly payments.
Star India spokesperson confirmed that it had issued a switch-off notice against Indian Cable Net, Kolkata’s largest multi system operator (MSO) which was acquired by Zee Telefilms’ subsidiary Siticable from RPG Enterprises. He, however, refused to divulge the outstanding amount.
Broadcasters have to give a one-month notice period to cable networks before they can switch off signals, as per a regulation prescribed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).
Indian Cable Net claims Star has been forcing carriage of its second bouquet of channels comprising Star One, Hungama TV and the two Walt Disney channels. “Cable operators are not willing to pay for the second bouquet as they are unable to collect it from the consumers. As MSOs, we are only a pass-through agent. We can’t be billed for the second bouquet,” says a spokesperson for Indian Cable Net.
Star had got into a new settlement after Siticable acquired Indian Cable Net and its outstanding amount was cleared. “But they owe us money after that. They haven’t even been paying for the seven per cent increase that Trai has allowed broadcasters to charge on cable operators,” says the Star spokesperson.
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.
