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Alcohol ads on the rise on teen shows in US
MUMBAI: Barely months after the studies indicated that television commercials are responsible for the alarming obesity growth amongst the teen and children in US, here comes another piece of alarming research from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Georgetown University: teens in the US watching television are being bombarded by ads selling alcohol products.
According to the study, the number of alcohol ads on network, local and cable television climbed up drastically in 2002 as compared to 2001. The number of TV commercials leapfrogged 39 per cent in 2002 to touch 289,381. In money terms too, spending rose 22 percent to touch $990 million.
The study indicated that the dramatic increase in alcohol ads could lead to a worsening of the teen alcohol and drug problem in the US.
The study revealed that youth between 12 and 20 years saw two beer and distilled spirits ads on television for every three seen by adults in 2002. They also watched nearly three advertisements for low-alcohol refreshers for every four seen by adults. The study says that it is quite possible that the industry’s new marketing codes lag far behind its aggressive marketing practices
Centre on Alcohol Marketing & Youth had commissioned TNS Media Intelligence/ CMR to assess how often ads occurred and how much was spent on them, with Nielsen Media Research providing the audience data.
According to a press release issued by the centre, 15 of the television shows, most popular with teens ages 12-17, had alcohol ads. In 2002, alcohol companies placed 5,085 ads on programs such as Survivor, Fear Factor and That ’70s Show, at a total cost of nearly $53 million. Spending on this group has increased by almost 60 per cent compared with 2001.
But one thing that the study firmly indicated is that parents and policymakers need to understand that even self-imposed industry standards are like offering false hope as youth will still be overexposed to alcohol advertising. May be the answer is to educate kids better.
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.
