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Doordarshan notches up higher earnings, plans programming revamp
Public broadcaster Doordarshan has already earned Rs 400 million more in the first six months of the current fiscal over the same period last year.
Despite the severance of ties with Channel 9 Gold earlier this year, DD’s revenues have gone up from Rs 2310 million to Rs 2705 million for the half-year ending September, according to Prasar Bharati CEO Anil Baijal.
In his first comprehensive interview to the media after taking over, Baijal announced that the pubcaster is planning a complete revamp of programming across its different channels. Speaking to the Business Standard, Baijal said each channel would be given an identity of its own, and that successful programme ideas from different regional channels would be carried over to others. He added that the public broadcaster had decided to take a ruthless stand on programmes that were not performing well. “After 26 weeks of coming on board, if a programme is not doing well, we will take it off. So far, DD has been seen as jilted by producers, but all that is going to change now,” he declared.
During a recent meeting of 10 top-performing DD Kendras, it was decided that some time slots would be branded for specific genres of programmes, that could be uniformly telecast by different channels in their respective languages.
Baijal said nearly one third of DD National’s programming would focus on news and current affairs, as soon as DD News, the sinking news channel, is wound up. “We are bringing news on DD National in a big way”, he said. Besides, a new look DD Metro would also be unleashed by December end, Baijal said. “We are gradually taking out those programmes which are not picking up TRPs and replacing them with new ones”, he said. 49 of 92 new programme proposals have already been approved.
DD is also looking at interactive shows and knowledge based game shows that will work as channel drivers. Baijal said Hum Haazir Hain, a show that features a panel of personalities facing a barrage of questions from viewers, has received a good response from viewers despite poor marketing.
Prasar Bharati has also pulled its three year old digital terrestrial broadcasting project out of the deep freezer. Baijal said that a pilot project would be initiated in Delhi by December and would be later extended to all four metros. A task force to negotiate with private players for setting up a six-channel bouquet has been put in place, he said. Prasar Bharati is also currently reviewing the quality and content of programmes on all its radio channels and exploring ways of raking in more revenue, he said.
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.
