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US research analyses live TV’s appeal on viewers
MUMBAI: New research forthcoming in the March 2006 issue of the Journal of Consumer Research explores television viewers’ strong preference for unscripted programming.
The researchers found that, contrary to several other explanations of live television’s appeal, impatience and desire for camaraderie are relatively inconsequential when compared to a sense of indeterminacy.
Indeterminacy is especially critical in sporting events when play is suspended during commercial breaks so viewers may watch the action as it unfolds.
“Indeterminate consumption experiences (such as watching sports competitions live on television) unfold in ways that are not decided before the event occurs,” explains Joachim Vosgerau (Carnegie Mellon University) and his coauthors. “This, in and of itself, makes them more exciting and preferable than equivalent determinate experiences (such as watching recorded broadcasts of the same competitions) that can only unfold the way the featured events were decided before they are broadcast.”
Indeterminacy is the unplanned part of the show – it’s the “Live” part of “Saturday Night Live.” Even though the skits are partially scripted, unexpected things could happen. In reality shows, the contestants don’t know who will win or what will be asked of them next.
The authors explain that the difference between watching a live broadcast of a sporting event versus watching a tape-delayed version is paramount to the viewer’s enjoyment. In the latter instance, an important component of the level of indeterminacy has been lost and thus the level of viewing pleasure is diminished significantly, says a statement issued by the research firm.
“This seemingly subtle characteristic can help explain how people interpret many of their consumption experiences,” the authors conclude. “Indeterminacy knowledge can alter people’s experienced utility in a variety of everyday consumption domains such as television, performing arts, vacations, and gaming in ways that researchers in marketing and psychology have yet to explore.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
