News Broadcasting
Viacom reorganises its operations
MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom’s co COO Tom Freston has announced reorganisation of operations under his leadership.
This includes the company’s book publishing, theatrical exhibition, music publishing, theme park, licensing and merchandising, and international cable network businesses. Freston also oversees the operations of MTV Networks, BET, Showtime and the Paramount Motion Picture Group. Freston and Leslie Moonves were appointed co-presidents and co-COOs last month.
Freston announced the appointment of Bob Bakish to the newly-created position of executive VP, operations. In his new role, Bakish will have direct operating responsibility for the company’s theatrical exhibition businesses, including the Famous Players Canadian theatre circuit, as well as the company’s music publishing unit, Famous Music. In addition, Bakish will assist Freston in setting development and budget objectives. He will also help identify key operational, financial and strategic issues for the operations that report to Freston.
Reporting to Bakish are Robb Chase who is Famous Players president and CEO and Irwin Robinson who serves as Famous Music president.
Bakish was formerly MTV Networks ad sales executive VP and COO. He will assume his new role after the transition of his duties at MTV Networks.
Viacom’s interests in movie theatres, theme parks and music publishing were previously part of Paramount Enterprises, a unit of the Viacom Entertainment Group.
Tom McGrath who served as Viacom Entertainment Group executive VP and Paramount Enterprises president will leave Viacom. He will stay on for an interim period to assist in the transition process.
MTV Networks Group president Herb Scannell will assume the additional responsibility of managing Paramount Parks and Viacom Consumer Products operations. This includes the merchandising and licencing of Paramount entertainment characters and properties. Paramount Parks and Viacom Consumer Products will be integrated into Nickelodeon Enterprises.
MTV Networks International president Bill Roedy will take on the additional oversight for Paramount Comedy Channel, UK and Paramount Comedy, Spain,
Freston added, “This announcement is about two things. First, we want to get the focus of the Paramount Motion Picture Group onto the central task of movie making. Sherry Lansing and I are in complete agreement about this. Secondly, we are reorganising Viacom’s assets around core strengths in the Company to create a less duplicative and more efficient structure.”
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.
