News Broadcasting
TCL, Thomson announce merger; will create TV-DVD behemoth
MUMBAI: French electronics major Thomson SA and TCL International Holdings Limited, the leading multimedia consumer electronic products manufacturer in China, today announced the signing of a binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a joint venture company TCL-Thomson Electronics.
The merger of the two groups will create the world’s biggest television maker. According to a joint statement issued by the two companies, annual shipment is expected to reach 18 million units after merger. TCL-Thomson will have leading market presence in Asia, Europe and North America and cost-efficient industrial presence near all major consumer markets, the statement says. The joint venture is two-thirds owned by TCL and one-third by Thomson.
The marriage between TCL, with its leading position in the China market, and Thomson, a major player in North America and Europe, will achieve significant revenue and operational synergies, the statement says.
The new company will be principally engaged in the development, manufacturing and distribution of a full range of television and DVD products. It will adopt a multi-brand strategy, using differing brands to penetrate different markets.
The TCL brand will be the key brand used in the Asian and emerging markets, while the Thomson brand will be the major brand in Europe, and the RCA brand in North America. Other brands of the parents will also be promoted in response to market needs.
The new company will have an extensive sales network offering full coverage in China via 20,000 sales outlets, and in North America and Europe via major retailers
TCL is slated take over the venture within 18 months, Thomson said. That deal would involve a share swap that would make Thomson the largest shareholder of the Chinese company, which currently has a market value of $1 billion, Reuters reports.
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.
