News Broadcasting
US lawmakers defy White House, block new FCC media rules
WASHINGTON: The US House and Senate negotiators defied a White House veto threat on 19 November and agreed to a provision that would prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from loosening rules on ownership of multiple media outlets.
The lawmakers fashioning a huge end-of-session spending bill also decided to provide $13 million that poor students in Washington, D.C., could use to pay for private schooling. The money represents a victory for President Bush, creating the first federally financed school voucher program after years of trying by Republicans.
Without a specific vote on the subject — and virtually no discussion — negotiators included a provision barring the Federal Communications Commission from letting companies own stations watched by 45 percent of viewers. That means the current limit of 35 percent would remain in effect.
The decision is a setback for the US president, who strongly endorsed the rule change. The plan would have allowed a company to own television stations that could reach almost half the viewing public in the nation.
Once bargainers finish writing the bill, it will have to be approved by the House and Senate and receive Bush’s signature. The White House has said it would recommend President Bush veto a spending bill that includes rolling back the new FCC rule. However, few analysts and lawmakers expect him to reject a measure that funds several government agencies solely because of the FCC issue.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, a supporter of retaining the current limits, said he expected “a verbal spanking” from the White House but not a veto.
In recent days, Stevens and other GOP lawmakers had expressed doubt that the White House would veto the massive spending bill — expected to exceed $280 billion, one-eighth of the entire federal budget — over the media ownership issue.
Viacom Inc., which runs the CBS and UPN television networks, and News Corp., operator of Fox network, already own local stations that reach about 40 percent of the national television audience.
However, the two media conglomerates are not expected to have to sell stations because the legislation affects only future transactions that would put a network above 35 percent.
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.
