News Headline
TV boom predicted even as Zee, Balaji fall in ET 500 rankings
MUMBAI: The media sector has received the dubious distinction of being the top loser in market capitalisation in April 2003 as compared to September 2002, says The Economic Times ET 500 study. The study also notes that television has led the boom in entertainment.
The ET 500 study points out that the media sector, comprising of companies with market capitalisation of over Rs 10 billion, has lost 23.2 per cent over a six month period.
Zee Telefilms has slipped in the ET 500 rankings to No. 33 as compared to No. 30 and its market capitalisation has dropped by 23 per cent over the past six months, says the ET 500 study.
The ET 500 study states that Zee Telefilms is ranked 33 with sales (for previous four quarters) of Rs 4.1 billion (up 0.4 per cent); profit after tax of Rs 760 million (down 41.8 per cent); operating profit margin of 42.4; net profit margin of 18.5; PE (based on prices as of 24 March 2003) ratio of 42.9; dividend yield of 76.7 per cent; EPS (earning per share) of 1.7 and dividend of 55 per cent.
The study mentions that post CAS, Zee expects that broadcasters will be able to capture 50-55 per cent of the total consumer revenues on cable, multi-system operators will get a commission from broadcasters ranging from 15-20 per cent while cable operators will get FTA fees and delivery margins from pay channels in the range of 20-25 per cent.
Despite “impressive” sales and growth, Balaji Telefilms has slipped to No. 166 as compared to No. 136 and its market capitalisation has gone down by 28 per cent. However, the study adds that Balaji Telefilms, whose serials comannd a leadership position in C&S homes is well positioned as the future belongs to TV software producers who provide quality software and content to broadcasters.
The ET 500 study states that Balaji Telefilms is ranked 166 with sales (for previous four quarters) of Rs 1.74 billion (up 89.7 per cent); profit after tax of Rs 540 million (up 202.8 per cent); operating profit margin of 52.8; net profit margin of 31.2; PE (based on prices as of 24 March 2003) ratio of 5.9; dividend yield of 40.2 per cent; EPS (earning per share) of 10.6 and dividend of 50 per cent.
The study mentions that television has led the boom in entertainment but broadcasters aren’t doing well due to the slump in the advertising market. However, the study says that larger broadcasters have made up through increased subscription revenues.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








