News Broadcasting
[V] claims lead in metro music beat during Diwali
MUMBAI: Diwali, at [V], isn’t just a time to set off the crackers, it’s also time to defuse the competition, it would seem.
The latest salvo fired by Star’s music arm is a claim that over two million viewers tuned into Channel [V] over the Diwali weekend to watch the Dhamaka.
That’s not all. Quoting TAM Media research figures, an official release claims that the channel has captured the top slot among music channels yet again with its Diwali programming. According to TAM figures for all day shares for 25 and 26 October, 2003 conducted across six metros in C&S ABC 15-34, more than two million viewers tuned in to Channel [V] for its special Diwali programming.
According to the release, Channel [V] has further consolidated its leadership position of being the No 1 music channel by outperforming its competitor in week 45, according to TAM data, SEC ABC, 15 – 34, across six metros.
When asked for an official quote on the channel’s claim, TAM India officials say that the tune-ins, as given out by [V] are the records of the unduplicated individuals who have watched that particular channel, for the said day or for at least one continuous minute or more. The officials confirmed the actual TG for six metros is 20,21,000 which translates to roughly 20 per cent in reach for those two days.
( TG: CS ABC 15-34 yrs, Market : six metros )
Channel
Reach 000s
Reach
Channel V
2021
19.72
MTV
1913
18.67
ETC
775
7.56
B4U Music
753
7.35
Zee Music
582
5.68
CMM
537
5.24
Others
8460
82.55
Any Channel
8485
82.8
While MTV in its point by point riposte, had claimed that besides the selective six metro data, they have been a leader also in the rest of urban India, which constitutes a significant 58 per cent of the market.
Although [V] hasn’t shot out any retort to those claims, by pointing out the popularity of the Diwali special, it seems to be shooting down MTV’s potshot at it being the four-week phenomenon (read Popstars).
According to [V] head honcho Amar K Deb, “Channel [V] has emerged as the clear choice for audiences, even on holidays and special festivals. We are constantly evaluating our programming, finding newer and more creative ideas that appeal to our core audience, which the numbers indicate, is consistently growing. Special programming is also created to celebrate the festivals and other events that play an important role in our viewer’s lives. Our programming on the Diwali weekend reflected the choice and desires of our audience.”
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.
