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World’s first and only Teen TV Network launched
TEXAS: Celebrating today’s youth and spirit, the world’s first and only television network dedicated to teens, VTV:Varsity Television has been officially launched on Galaxy 11, Transponder 13. VTV has now been added to Pod 14 of Comcast’s Headend in the Sky, whose affiliates service nearly 7 million US households. In addition, a letter of intent has been signed with the National Cable Television Coop, which has over 14.5 million basic subscribers.
VTV is set to capture one of the largest and most sought-after programming niches remaining in the television world. VTV fills the gap in youth programming between Nickelodeon (kids 3 to 12) and MTV (adults 18 to 34).
The new network is co-founded by Joe Shults, a member of the executive team that launched MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1 as well as one of the original management members for E! Entertainment, and Kelly Hoffman, who brings more than two decades of financial and administrative experience in building start-ups into strong, profitable companies.
The 24-hour network includes teen-oriented series and films developed by the most respected producers and distributors in the world, as well as original videos and films created by teens themselves. The content includes student films, short-form animation, music videos, documentaries and teen-produced news broadcasts. Companies from which VTV has acquired programming include ABC International, CBC, CTV, Granada, RDF International, and Universal Television.
Credited with $170 billion in annual spending influence, teens are the largest consumers of music, motion picture productions, DVDs, personal electronics, snacks and soft drinks, fast food, clothing and more, claims a release. Advertisers seeking teens for their influence, high return on investment resulting from lifetime brand loyalty secured for consumer products during teen years, now have a targeted vehicle for reaching 13-18 year olds with VTV.
VTV has established relationships with high schools located in the top 100 television markets in the US. These schools maintain professional calibre audio/visual equipment and production facilities that deliver compelling, high-quality content directly to VTV.
Thousands of clips have been received to date with a growing number of new programme submissions arriving weekly from hundreds of high schools and related youth organizations. This content is then edited and packaged into stand-alone vignettes that air several times an hour throughout the programming day.
VTV has built a loyal and active audience through its website, MyVTV.com .VTV has been sneak previewed for the past two months, giving Multiple System Operators (MSO) executives and cable system operators a unique opportunity to view the network’s 24-hour signal. As a result, VTV is currently in final distribution negotiations with some of the US’s largest MSOs.
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.
