News Headline
58% watched DD English news as per 4-wk average, pubcasters’ overhaul under way
MUMBAI: Even as the new Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Vempati plans pubcasters’ overhaul, Doordarshan News has reportedly beaten all private English channels, according to BARC data.
Screams by star news anchors notwithstanding, English news channels hardly reach around four million in a population of over 1.2 billion Indians.
According to the BARC data for 10–16 June 2017, an average of 34.2 per cent educated & high income group male viewers of age-group 22 and above in cities with a population of 10 lakh or more, watched DD English News, leaving other channels behind.
As compared to Times Now (28.2 per cent) and Republic TV (17.9 per cent), DD News achieved a higher percentage, One India reported.
BARC data of that week showed that over half of the total viewers in the category of both, male and female, of ages 15 or above in rural and urban areas watched DD News when it showed English bulletin while other channels were left fighting over less than 50 per cent of the market share.
The average viewership pattern of last four weeks in the rural & urban area, as per BARC data, showed that an average of 58 per cent of English News viewers watched DD News when it aired English news bulletin.
In urban areas with over 10 lakh population, an area which is considered the dominant market for private English news channels, as per four weeks’ average BARC data, over 40 per cent of the well-educated and high-income group males of age-group 22 and above watched DD’s English news bulletin, although most other channels struggle to reach even five per cent mark.
Vempati meanwhile plans to revamp pubcasters’ official websites, focus on digitally monetising content, and change IT systems. Solving manpower issues and making Prasar tech-enabled are Vempati’s priorities this year. Prasar is planning a global digital platform (such as Al Jazeera and like BBC) by the end of 2017, Mint reported.
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.
