News Headline
DD slaps Rs 1 billion+ footage tab on channels
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NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati is not letting up in its determination to mop up revenue from channels for usage of video clips of the ongoing cricket series, for which Doordarshan has exclusive telecast rights. The pubcaster today issued notices to 16 channels slapping bills totaling Rs 11,638,200 for usage of clippings over the prescribed ceiling of two minutes a day for free usage. The heaviest tab was on NDTV’s English and Hindi channels for a combined total of Rs 3,972,600. |
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Addressing a press conference here today, Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma said, “We don’t want to take a confrontation route with the TV channels. Rather, we’d like them to understand our point of view and what we think is copyright violation.”  According to Sarma, TV channels cannot buy footage at the rate of Rs 6,000 per minute and then use those clips to mount a programme of various duration and sell advertising time before, after and during that show. Asked, whether Prasar Bharati would ask TV channels to stop airing such programmes (Aaj Tak airs Superhit Muqabla, Star News Wah! Cricket and Cricket ke Mujrim and ESPN Showdown, for example), Sarma said he expects the legal notice would be taken seriously and such tactics would stop. But the TV channels counter that DD’s interpretation of its own terms and conditions for news access is lopsided and a case of delayed reaction. NDTV director Narayan Rao said, “We are adhering to DD’s terms and conditions and will seek further classification if necessary.” While Star News CEO Uday Shankar refused to comment on the legal notice, Zee Telefilms news director Laxmi Goel denied that any legal notice has been sent by DD. He added: “A letter has come from DD and we are contesting the amount claimed as we feel it’s on the higher side.” Reiterating his earlier stand, ESPN India MD RC Venkateish said, “We’ll talk to DD for further clarification.” Asked whether, ESPN would stop airing its two-hour cricket programme in the evening, Venkateish added, “It’s not possible today, but we’d seek legal advise on this issue.” The confusion seems to be emanating from the fact that while DD is claiming cricket clips cannot be used for programming, except news bulletins, TV channels counter in a covering letter, written by Sarma, no differentiation had been made between news and programmes. Another TV channel felt that if it’s paying for footage, it cannot be stopped from using them in programmes, which can be sold to advertisers. But, as Sarma pointed out, there were channels like ETV too that approached the pubcaster and apologised seeking concessions on payments, which are “being studied.” It looks like that DD has realised that after buying footage from it for Rs 6,000 per minute, TV channels are mounting programmes where the advertising time is being sold at a premium. No wonder, Sarma admitted, without referring to this directly, “if such programmes continue, the financial proposition of DD’s highlight package would get adversely affected.” As is clear from the chart below, prepared on rough estimates by DD officials for the first Test at Mohali, ESPN Star Sports has been billed in the same way as the news channels.
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Just before the start of the first Test match in Mohali on 8 March, Sarma had written letters to all channel heads informing them of the terms and conditions for use of cricket match footage. The terms and conditions as prescribed in the letters allow 30 seconds of free usage of clippings for news bulletins, subject to a ceiling of two minutes a day. The terms, however, prohibit bulletins being positioned and promoted as cricket match programmes. In reality, every news channel has got a cricket special programme for which footage is important. |
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.
