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AOL & XM in deal to form multi-platform digital entertainment company
MUMBAI: In a joint venture that capitalises on the huge potential of multi-platform live entertainment programming, AEG, a world-leading sports and entertainment presenter; America Online, the world’s leading interactive services company; and XM Satellite Radio, the provider of satellite radio in the US, have joined with entertainment and technology veteran Kevin Wall to create Network Live, an AEG, AOL, XM company.
Network Live is the first multi-platform digital entertainment company committed to delivering live entertainment programming through the Internet, satellite and other third party global media platforms such as VOD, wireless and HDTV. Wall, who most recently served as Executive Producer of Live 8, is the CEO of the newly formed joint venture, stated an official release.
With a career spanning four decades, Kevin Wall, formerly vice-chairman of iXL Enterprises, has been named to the post of CEO of Network Live. Wall’s extensive experience in music promotion and production, live television, the Internet, and venture capital investments in convergence technologies have established him as a visionary who has consistently led the way in discovering new niches in entertainment.
On the heels of the impressive broadcasts of Live 8 by AOL and XM, and building on the success of the popular AOL Music LIVE! series, Network Live will produce a slate of live programming focusing on music and comedy performances – many originating from AEG owned or operated venues worldwide, such as STAPLES Center, adds the release.
The programming will be promoted to AOL’s claimed web audience of more than 100 million and to more than 4.4 million XM Satellite Radio subscribers. The company will also leverage the expertise of AEG’s live entertainment division, AEG LIVE, one of the world’s leading concert promoters. Network Live programming will add to AOL and XM’s own popular original franchises, such as AOL Music Sessions, which has featured many top recording artists, and XM’s Artist Confidential and Then…Again…Live!
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.
