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Saam TV leads in Maharashtra with 5.9 cr impressions in BARC India week 31 ratings
MUMBAI: Saam TV has gained number one position among all channels for week 31 (27 July 27 to 2 August 2019) of BARC India ratings in Maharashtra. According to the BARC India report, Saam TV recorded over 5.9 crore impressions in Maharashtra and is followed by ABP Majha at over five crore.
The channel showed a massive rise in its viewership from the previous week, attaining an increase of 45.9 per cent. During the same timeframe, Saam TV created more than double the impressions recorded by Aaj Tak (2,99,60,000), which leads the roost in Maharashtra among non-Marathi channels. Among the channels in the Marathi news and information category, Saam TV has recorded a market share of 25 per cent, followed by ABP Majha at 20.8 per cent.
BARC India data for week 30 and 31 of 2019, for Maharashtra and Goa for audience above two years, Saam TV was at leading position with 59,253 weekly impressions (000), followed by ABP Majha with 50,447 weekly impressions (000) and TV9 Marathi with 48,827 weekly impressions (000).
Saam TV channel head Nilesh Khare called the channel’s understanding of Maharashtra second to none, attributing it one of the reasons for its growth. “Saam understands the pulse of Maharashtra. We understand the common man, their plights and their triumphs. We listen to them and become their voice,” said Khare. Crediting the channel’s neutral stance in news delivery for its continued success, Khare further added, “We have remained neutral in our political stance and also focused on social causes that concern their day-to-day life. That’s the reason the viewers have preferred us and have taken us to No.1 spot.”
Sakal Media Group managing director & AP Globale Group chairman Abhijit Pawar thanked the viewers through a congratulatory tweet and recognised Saam TV’s neutrality for the sustained success.
“The numbers are a testimony to our neutrality in news delivery and relentless efforts to serve Maharashtra by being its reflection,” said Pawar.
Saam TV also benefits from the Sakal ecosystem and approaches journalism in sync with today’s age. Journalists engage in a collaborative approach for collective success and ensure optimum news delivery.
Saam TV also continues to dominate among top programmes in Marathi news and information category with 67 programmes in the top 100 across channels. Shows like Viral Satya, 36 Jille 36 Reporters, Top 50 News, Spotlight, etc. have consistently garnered high numbers and remained among the top-performing programmes.
Saam TV, a part of the Sakal Media Group (SMG), was launched in 2008. Saam TV is the group’s first venture into broadcast media business bringing a global outlook to the regional television.
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.
