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NBC Universal’s revenues up for the year, down for the quarter
MUMBAI: US media conglomerate NBC Universal’s revenues for the year ended 31 December 2005, increased by 14 per cent to $14.7 billion, and profit increased by 21 per cent to $3.1 billion.
However fourth-quarter segment profit dropped by seven per cent to $801 million, while revenue slipped by three per cent to $4.19 billion year-over-year.
NBC has been struggling on the ratings front which has had a bad effect on ad sales. CPMs came in down four to six per cent and total dollars dropped nearly $1 billion from the previous year’s upfront. Shows that it banked on like The Apprentice Martha Stewart did not deliver. It will air the Winter Olympics next month which should help boost ratings.
NBC’s parent General Electric posted an 11 per cent revenue gain to $149.7 billion, and profit was up 20 percent to $23.4 billion. NBC Universal’s highlights for the year included the $500 million in box office receipts for King Kong; the deal with iTunes for downloads of a slate of shows; the strong 18 to 49 performance for My Name is Earl; and improved ratings at Telemundo, SCI FI and USA.
NBC Universal accounts for about nine per cent of General Electric’s sales and 13 per cent of its profits. Though there is a question mark among some industry observers as to whether General Electric needs to have a media unit at all, now may not be a good time to explore a spin off as an option. Since the company is not in a very healthy state General Electric may not get a good price for it, reports indicate.
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.
