News Broadcasting
Turner derides Fox News as a US government propaganda tool
MUMBAI: Media moghul Ted Turner, founder CNN, has once again taken aim at his arch nemesis Rupert Murdoch. Traversing terrain that Turner has covered before, the target of his attack is Fox News.
Speaking a few days ago at a summit of the National Association Of Broadcasters (NAB) in the US, Turner dismissed Fox as being a “propaganda voice” of the Bush administration.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s certainly legal. But it does pose problems for our democracy. When the news is dumbed down it leaves voters without critical information on politics and world events and overloaded with fluff.” He went on to compare Fox News Channel’s popularity to Adolf Hitler’s rise in Germany before World War II.
This is not the first time that Turner has gone after Fox in this manner. A couple of years ago he had called Murdoch a warmonger for Fox News Channel’s reportage during the US-led invasion of Iraq.
TURNER LAMBASTS MEDIA CONSOLIDATION IN THE US
Turner’s ire was not restricted to Fox News alone however. During his speech at the convention, he also hit out against media consolidation in the US. “The consolidation has made it almost impossible for an independent. It’s virtually impossible to start a cable network. Broadcasters and programmers don’t want more independent voices out there. They own everything. That is why I went into the restaurant business. Either that or I’d work for a salary for one of the big jerks.”
He also stressed on the need for American news channels to go beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. “We need to be well informed. We need to know what’s going on in the world. We need a little less Hollywood news and a little more hard news. This would probably be good for our society.”
Meanwhile responding to Turner, a Fox News spokesperson said, “Ted is understandably bitter having lost his ratings, his network and now his mind. We wish him well.”
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.
