News Broadcasting
Time Warner evinces renewed interest in MGM
MUMBAI: After Sony made public its interest in taking over MGM, another media major has thrown its hat into the ring.
Time Warner, which had been mulling the possibility of joining forces with MGM in December 2003, is considering whether it would be prudent to renew discussions with the studio controlled by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian.
A report in the Wall Street Journal indicates that Time Warner executives are holding internal meetings to discuss the feasibility of putting forth an alternative bid. As was the case with Sony, Time Warner could use MGM to build its film library.
In India, that presents interesting scenarios. Firstly, Zee currently has a 50:50 JV with MGM. The question here is whether the merger would be disbanded should either Sony or Time Warner succeed. Secondly, it would be in HBO India’s interest if the deal with Time Warner was to go through, as Time Warner is one of HBO’s partners.
A report in Variety last year had indicated that Time Warner had been courting MGM since as early as 2002. At that time, Kerkorian was asking for around $ seven billion which Time Warner was finding difficult to meet on account of heavy debt, not least on account of AOL.
Another report in Reuters states that Time Warner’s current bid was being made in conjunction with private equity firm Thomas H Lee. Sony earlier had put the offer at around $ five billion. The report adds that while Time Warner already owns some MGM films, these date back to before 1948. The pre 1948 library had been bought by billionaire Ted Turner way back in 1986. A new deal would bring the James Bond and Pink Panther franchises under its belt.
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.
