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US channel for Asians KTSF opposes federal legislation to regulate TV ratings
MUMBAI: American broadcaster KTSF-TV, which caters to the Asian expatriate community has said that it opposes legislation that would federally regulate TV ratings.
The aim of the bill is to provide for the accuracy of television ratings services. The channel however states that the proposed regulation could stifle recent strides in Asian and other ethnic programming. The legislation introduced by Senator Conrad Burns would require mandatory accreditation of television ratings through the Media Rating Council.
The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a hearing for 27 July 2005. In a letter sent to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, KTSF GM Michael Sherman said, “Instead of spurring the growth of ethnic television, we believe this legislation would diminish entrepreneurial opportunities by creating unnecessary and contentious procedures for determining ratings.”
“KTSF believes that if federal legislation created mandatory ratings accreditation we would not have been able to get the kind of creative response from a media research entity to serve our immediate needs. With respect to the oversight of television ratings, we agree with the FTC when it said earlier this year that: ‘well-constructed industry self-regulatory efforts can be more prompt, flexible and effective than government regulation’.
“As a broadcaster offering ethnic programming, I want to reiterate that for our markets to grow we must have access to the most relevant research information available. This will certainly require continuous advances in television ratings systems that can respond quickly to the changing dynamics and competitiveness of today’s television environment.
“The passage of the legislation will not get us there. The incentives and competitiveness of the free market system has already done a good job and can continue to better assist the recent surge in diverse ethnic programming.”
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.
