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Total TV universe up to 183 mn, rate of rural growth higher than urban: BARC survey
NEW DELHI: Okay it’s out and the data does reflect that television is thriving in India and growing. According to the latest BARC India figures, the all-India TV universe has increased to 183 million from the earlier collated figure of 154 million with the growth in rural audience showing a quantum jump signifying that upswing is coming from non-urban areas.
The data highlights that while the total urban TV universe stood at 84,414 (in ‘000) in 2017, the comparative rural figure is 98,639 (in ‘000), signifying that the rural segment has grown at a faster rate, which opens up whole new marketing options for broadcasters and advertisers. The comparative old figures as per BARC estimates in 2015 were 77544,000 (urban) vs. 75967,000 (rural).
These data, part of the latest BARC India’s Broadcast India Survey 2017, shows that while the urban-rural audience mix was almost equal earlier, the rural segment has outpaced the urban as per latest figures in rate of growth.
The new TV universe figures will be implemented from Week 8, 2017 by BARC India, though the latest audience data released by the measurement organisation pertaining to Week 6 adheres to the old figures of the total TV universe in India being 154 million.
The data reiterates BARC’s recent reiterations that that since it started surveying rural audience, a whole new world has opened up for subscribers of the data, which, incidentally, also include government organisations apart from the traditional TV channels and advertising agencies.
What are the few highlights of the latest BARCC India findings, which were surveyed over a four-month period from November 2015 to February 2016?
First, the total TV universe has grown. Second, there has been a sizeable increase in audience in B and C category, signifying an upswing in general prosperity and purchasing power. Third, the rate of growth of rural and small towns is higher than their urban counterparts.
With respect to the NCCS classification of a household (or BARC’s version of earlier classifications known as SEC), it is based on two main variables: education of the household’s chief wage earner, defined as the person who contributes the most to payment of household expenses and household ownership of 11 specific durable goods, which clearly catch the household’s worth. The 11 durables collectively owned by household members and considered in the NCCS classification of households in India are electricity connection, ceiling fan, LPG stove, two-wheeler, colour TV, refrigerator, washing machine, personal computer/laptop, car/jeep/van, aircon and agricultural land.
As digital viewing proliferates, BARC India is readying itself to measure the digital world too and the data is
expected to flow in sometime late 2017 or early 2018.
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BARC India Households and Individuals Universe Estimate-2017
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.
