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Hindi news genre gained growth in viewership last year
MUMBAI: Despite the overwhelming growth of digital platforms, television remains the most penetrated mass-medium in India. Although broadcasters battled worries like economic slowdown, the new tariff regime, the audience was not deprived of good programming. The entertainment segment saw returning seasons of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bigg Boss along with popular fiction shows. Other important genres like sports and news were also full of attention-grabbing events like ICC Cricket World Cup, general election.
2019 has proved to be an action-packed period for the news channels leading more people to watch news. General Election, ICC Cricket World Cup, State Elections, terror strikes and counter measures,Rammandir Verdict, CAA-NRC issue – a bouquet of important events has helped the Hindi news genre to garner the highest viewership in 2019.
In the Hindi Speaking Market (HSM), Hindi News genre has seen the highest growth in viewership, 26 per cent rise from 2018. Other than Hindi News, Sports genre has witnessed an increase of 22 per cent in 2019. While the year was eventful for the news genre, cricket content including international tournaments, T-20 leagues has definitely worked as a catalyst for the sports viewership growth.
During the year, Hindi GEC genre has contained hit shows both in scripted and non-scripted format including Kundali Bhagya, Naagin, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Big Boss. But despite having good fiction shows and new formats, the genre has struggled to grow its viewership in the year. According to data, Hindi GEC viewership has experienced a fall of 23 per cent in viewership.
Overall the year was a challenging one for the broadcast industry due to implementation of new tariff regime, economic slowdown. While the two factors have affected the entire ecosystem- the niche genres have struggled most, especially due to the new tariff order. The viewership of hindi movies, hind music genre has fallen by 21 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.
Among the leading HSM channels, Aaj Tak, Sony Max, Star Sports 1 Hindi, were able to maintain their leadership in the respective genres. However, Aaj Tak which has been leading the Hindi News genre since last 19 years, is only National channel to maintain top position throughout the 52 weeks. Star Plus has emerged as the leading channel in Hindi GEC genre replacing Star Bharat with 15 per cent growth. At the same time, B4U Music has replaced Masti to lead the Hindi Music genre with a 12 per cent growth.
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.
