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Comcast, MTV Networks announce affiliation agreement for Logo
MUMBAI: Comcast and MTV Networks (MTVN) have reached an affiliation agreement for Logo, a new network from MTVN offering entertainment programming for the gay and lesbian community.
Under the agreement, Comcast will add Logo to its Digital Plus cable package in select markets over the next 90 days.
In addition, markets launching the Logo digital cable channel also will have 10 hours of Logo’s programming available on Comcast’s On Demand video-on-demand (VOD) service. Additional details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Comcast is committed to bringing customers new and relevant entertainment choices. We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with MTV Networks to offer Logo’s programming that meets the needs of an underserved audience,” said Comcast executive vice president programming Matt Bond.
“We couldn’t be happier about expanding Logo’s distribution through this key agreement with Comcast. They understand our commitment to creating programming for niche audiences and we are very pleased that this partnership will allow even more interested viewers to see Logo,” said MTV Networks affiliate sales and marketing president Nicole Browning.
Logo has acquired a library of more than 200 critically acclaimed gay- and lesbian-themed movies, such as Moulin Rouge, The Birdcage, Six Degrees of Separation and Mommie Dearest.
In addition, Logo’s programming lineup includes original series, documentaries and specials, including: Noah’s Arc, a comedy about a group of African-American gay men living in Santa Monica; the reality series My Fabulous Gay Wedding, which features a mix of love stories and party-planning fiascos; Momentum, a documentary series chronicling the stories of gay rugby players, transgender actresses, and teens with same-sex parents; and the first-ever telecast of The 16th Annual Glaad (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards.
Logo also will be teaming up with CBS News to cover gay and lesbian news stories.
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.
