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Nick starts licensing programmes for new properties
NEW YORK: Nickelodeon in the US is showing no signs of letting up its dominant position, with a hold on 47 out of 50 top shows from January to May 2003. The network has now commenced licensing programmes for its new properties at the Licensing Show currently taking place in the Big Apple.
The properties in question are its latest hit show Fairly OddParents, the upcoming SpongeBob SquarePants movie and Rugrats spin-off All Grown Up.
In addition, Nickelodeon will also expand its current roster with movie licensing plans for A Series of Unfortunate Events as well as the introduction of Tak and the Power of JuJu and EverGirl its first off-channel properties.
Consumer products, Nickelodeon senior VP, Leigh Anne Brodsky said, “Nickelodeon has established itself as the home of contemporary classic characters. Our brand has resonated with kids of all ages and across many different media platforms from movies and TV to books and video games.”
Nickelodeon claims that The Fairly OddParents targetted at kids 6-11 is number two in the age group 2-11, behind SpongeBob SquarePants.At the centre of story is your average bloke Timmy Turner and his fairly odd fairy godparents, Cosmo and Wanda. Timmy has virtually no power over anything in his world, but thanks to Cosmo and Wanda, life is always exciting. With their combined magic, they wreak magical mayhem by granting Timmy extraordinary wishes to overcome typical 10-year-old obstacles. Products based on the series will debut later this year. They will include toys from master licensee, Flying Colours, a division of Jakks Pacific.
The broadcaster will extend the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise to the big screen in November. On the idiot box, the show is not only number one but also has a 30 per cent adult audience share, according to reports. The show generated retail sales of $800 million for last year. The film’s release will also see products that everyone can enjoy.
Nick’s cult show Rugrats will see the follow up All Grown Up debut in September. The Rugrats will become tweens. Here, kids get to see their favorite babies ten years into the future and share adventures like first crushes and navigating Jr. High. The pre-teen members of the one-time baby brigade will now
At Licensing Show, Nickelodeon is also offering the first peek at
EverGirl, which is being described as a “story-driven, lifestyle brand for tween girls”. The property will have major online and retail components and is expected to launch early next year.
Nickelodeons property Tak is unique from anything that has gone before. It is being introduced first as a videogame, with opportunities to grow into a major multi-platform franchise for the network as a TV show and consumer products property. Video game manufacturer THQ has partnered with Nickelodeon to market and distribute Tak, which will be available on PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance platforms in October. Plans for a TV series based on the characters in the game are being developed.
An official release informs that Nickelodeon Enterprises, which includes the consumer products division generated roughly $2.6 billion in retail sales for last year. This was up about 19 per cent from the previous year.
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.
