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ESPN drives Disney’s quarterly revenue up 17 %
MUMBAI: Disney has reported financial results for the third quarter ended 30 June, 2004.
Revenues increased to $7,471 million from $6,377 million for the same quarter last year representing an increase of 17 per cent. For the nine-month period, revenues increased to $23,209 million from $20,047 last year, an increase of 16 per cent.
Media Networks revenues for the quarter increased by eight per cent to $2.9 billion and segment operating income increased 15 per cent to $673 million. Studio entertainment revenue for the quarter increased by 19 per cent to $1.7 billion and segment operating income decreased to $28 million from $71 million in the prior-year quarter.
Disney CEO Michael Eisner said, “The continued growth in our earnings this quarter, led by ESPN and our other cable networks, positions us well to deliver more than 50 per cent growth in earnings for the year, as we predicted last quarter. Equally important, our strong earnings and cash flow growth demonstrate the overall strength of our businesses.
“During the recent downturn, we remain focussed on managing the company for long term performance and extending the Disney legacy and we believe that the positive trends in our businesses validate that approach.”
Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased by 32 per cent to $2.3 billion and segment operating income increased by 20 per cent to $421 million. The consolidation of Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland contributed $332 million of the increase in revenue and $15 million of the increase in segment operating income.
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.
