News Broadcasting
The hidden goldmine for TV producers and broadcasters
CANNES: In a world that’s changing so rapidly with many new modes of delivery for content like mobiles, broadband, digital TV, HDTV, interactive TV, hand-held devices, what do content creators and broadcasters do to stay in the loop? Well the consensus of speakers at the MipTV-Milia conference on ‘New TV’ in Cannes is that cross – platform delivery is the key way for TV networks to find new audiences and generate more revenue.
Celador International (UK)’s Bruce Vandenberg said Who Wants To Be A Millionaire was a good example of making money across a range of platforms.
Millionaire was offered on the PC via narrowband and broadband on a pay-for-play model across 15 countries, he said. It has generated more than five million pounds in three years.
“It’s about getting consumers to engage in the brand,” he said. There were similar options via interactive TV and TV games channels. A younger audience was also targeted via SMS on the mobile.
Interest had risen significantly after a 17-year-old boy won 32,000 pounds. There was also a WAP game version, he said, reflecting the shift back to content by mobile operators.
Joel Berger of MTV Networks, Germany, told the seminar there was limited growth in the existing TV audience for his company. “So we have to make more out of our demographic,” he said.
A key target area was mobile entertainment products:
* Ringtones, MMS logos and wallpapers
* Java games
* Video content
* And the development of mobile music services.
Robert Fahle of RTV New Media, Germany, talked about similar mobile products. But he stressed there should be exclusive packages for mobile operators. “TV programs must be tailored to each platform,” he said.
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.
