News Broadcasting
Richie Benaud on BBC World’s ‘Extratime’
Australian cricket commentator Richie Benaud was recently described as the “King of the Microphone” by England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, and “The Voice of Cricket” by his Australian opposite number Ricky Ponting. In the wake of England’s historic Ashes series victory over Australia, Extratime talks to Benaud about his thoughts on the series and of his retirement from British television commentary which was marked by a standing ovation from the crowd at The Oval in London last Monday.
Speaking to presenter Rob Bonnet, Benaud predicts that Andrew Flintoff will become a future England captain. He says, “He [Flintoff] lifted himself on several occasions during the [Ashes] series. I think Andrew Flintoff is a future captain, at least of the one day side. It depends how Michael Vaughan goes in the one-dayers but certainly I’d be looking at him as vice-captain in the next team to go away to give him a bit of experience…he’s a thinker.”
Every week, Extratime brings viewers in-depth interviews with the stars, coaches and the power brokers in the world of sport. Rob Bonnet goes behind the glamour to see what makes them tick and examines the risks and rewards in a cutthroat competitive business. This edition of Extratime will be broadcast on BBC World on Sunday 18th September at 1700 IST.
Further information:
Deeptie Sethi/ Gayathri Sharma
Tel: 91 11 2341 2672/73 Extn. 102
Fax: 91 11 2341 1109
Email: deeptie.sethi@bbc.co.uk / gayathri.sharma@bbc.co.uk
Notes to Editors: BBC World, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. BBC World is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 268 million households (128 million 24-hour homes) and more than one million hotel rooms. BBC World launched in its present format in 1995 and is funded by advertising and subscription. For further information on how to receive BBC World, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit bbcworld.com
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.
