News Broadcasting
‘UK’s Ofcom model difficult to export to Asia’
HONG KONG: Do any industry players love their regulators? The answer, probably, is a big NO.
And, in return, a regulator should not expect love, but should have a relationship with a regulatee that is based on transparency and integrity, amongst other things. Ditto for a vice versa relationship.
This was the message that Kip Meek, senior partner for competition and content at Ofcom in the UK and chairman of the European Regulators’ Group said here today at the ongoing annual convention of Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa).
Speaking at session, aptly titled `How to love your regulator’, Meek also said that the Ofcom model of regulation is difficult to transport to other places; especially Asia. Reason? Ground realities may differ from market to market.
“Is the Ofcom model exportable (to Asia)?” Meek posed a question and answered in the negative.
Detailed regulation should follow on-ground realities, he explained, adding that content regulation in all countries cannot be the same.
For instance, he said, Ofcom is quite liberal in comparison to some other regulators in developed countries as far as content goes.
On cue, a majority of over 70 per cent in the audience voted against common regulatory standards in Asian countries, when asked to after Meek had finished speaking.
According to Meek, the phrase ‘light touch of regulation’ may also sound an absurdity though Ofcom in the UK regulates on three principles, which include unbiased and least intrusive regulation.
Meek also opined that a converged regulator is better placed to regulate in the present environment, provided it’s “truly independent and truly unbiased.”
“A fully converged regulatory model does work… but don’t go for harsh measures,” he said.
However, Meek felt there is a possibility of a converged regulator being considered too powerful.
Moral of Meekspeak: a regulator-regulate is not the usual run of the mill tale.
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.
