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Americans changing the way they access media: Study
MUMBAI: Consumer media habits in the US are changing.
Increasingly people are watching video-on-demand services through their cable or satellite provider (10 per cent in December 2004), access news online (11 per cent in December 2004) and listen to Internet radio (37 million in December 2004).
These figures are contained in a new study by Arbitron and Edison Media Research. The study titled Internet and Multimedia 2005: The On-Demand Media Consumer, finds that an estimated 27 million Americans own one or more on-demand media devices — such as a TiVo/DVR, iPod or other portable MP3 player — and also exhibit multiple behaviors that show a heavy tendency toward an on-demand media lifestyle.
The study focusses on devices and services that allow Americans to exercise more control over the media they consume. The findings are based on a January 2005 survey consisting of 1,855 telephone interviews with a randomly selected national sample of Arbitron’s Fall 2004 radio diarykeepers.
* 27 per cent of 12- to 17- year olds own an iPod or other portable MP3 player.
* An estimated 43 million Americans choose to record TV programming to watch at a different time (using technology such as a VCR or TiVo/DVR).
* 76 per cent of consumers own at least one DVD. 39 per cent own 20 or more DVDs in their personal collection.
* Awareness of XM satellite radio has tripled since 2002, from 17 per cent to 50 per cent, while awareness of Sirius satellite radio has increased even more significantly, from eight per cent to 54 per cent. The study shows that consumers, while still using traditional media, have great enthusiasm and passion for on-demand media. Traditional and Internet broadcasters need to adjust their approaches to accommodate this increasingly important consumer segment.
The study also found that broadband connections are just as common as dial-up connections in American households. 48 per cent of people with home Internet access have broadband and 48 per cent have dial-up service. The monthly Internet video audience is estimated to be approximately 35 million people. The weekly online video audience is nearly 20 million.
Since 1998, Arbitron and Edison Media Research have conducted 13 studies to find out about how consumers are using the Internet, streaming media and other new devices or services. Edison Media Research conducts survey research and provides strategic information to radio stations, television stations, newspapers, cable networks, record labels, Internet companies and other media organisations.
Arbitron is an international media and marketing research firm. It serves radio broadcasters, cable companies, advertisers, ad agencies and outdoor advertising companies in the US, Mexico and Europe. Arbitron’s core businesses are measuring network and local market radio audiences across the US; surveying the retail, media and product patterns of local market consumers; and providing application software used for analysing media audience and marketing information data.
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.
