News Broadcasting
X’mas classics popular with American kids on TV: Nielsen
MUMBAI: Several of American television’s perennial favourites during the holiday season did well with children of all ages in the seven local markets where Nielsen Media Research has introduced Local People Meter (LPM) service.
In the 40 years or more that these four Christmas classics A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer have been presented on television, this is the first holiday season that local demographic ratings have been widely available.
Because December is not a traditional sweeps month, Nielsen was unable to provide demographic information on local programming until it introduced its Local People Meter service, which electronically and continually records audience viewing. The LPM demographic information demonstrates the enduring appeal of the four classic specials, whose popularity appears to be driven by Baby Boomers watching these programs with their children.
Among the four specials A Charlie Brown Christmas, which celebrated its 40th anniversary on television this year had the highest overall average ratings, with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer scoring the highest with kids.
The most popular classic holiday special overall in the LPM markets Charlie Brown delivered its biggest ratings among all viewers (over age 2) in Chicago. It appealed to all ages, with strong performance among viewers age 25-54.
The programme was especially popular with children, delivering double digit ratings for children age 2-11 in Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
The movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey had its biggest overall local rating among all viewers in Philadelphia. The Grinch’s highest rating among children age 2-11 was also in Philadelphia, with Boston and Chicago as strong runners-up.
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.
