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Assaf Blecher to oversee Keshet DCP JV in an expanded role
MUMBAI: It was announced earlier today in a statement by Dick Clark Productions (DCP) EVP of programming development Mark Bracco and Keshet International CEO Alon Shtruzman that current Dick Clark Productions programming and development vice president Assaf Blecher will expand his role to include oversight of Keshet DCP. In Blecher’s new role he will manage programming and development for Keshet DCP, the joint venture(JV) formed by Keshet International, the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group and DC Media, and the parent company of DCP. The JV which was announced last year, produces unscripted programming in the US and develops, produces and finances new formats for international markets.
Keshet DCP programming for 2014 includes the new reality singing competition Rising Star set to premiere on 22 June on the American Broadcasting Company network, the new game show format BOOM! scheduled for broadcast on FOX network later this year and additional projects at various stages of development. Blecher will continue to be based in the company’s Santa Monica headquarters and will report to Bracco and Shtruzman.
“Assaf played a key role in the formation of Keshet DCP and will be instrumental in our strategies to expand our programming footprint domestically and internationally with the most compelling slate of unscripted programming possible,” said Bracco in a statement.
“Assaf has a proven track record and has contributed great insights and talent to the development of Keshet DCP. We at Keshet are delighted to have him on board as a partner and a creative executive, especially during this significant growth period. His experience, industry acumen and friendship will be of great benefit to our collective effort,” said Shtruzman.
“It is an honor to formalise my relationship with Keshet and the Keshet DCP team,” said Blecher. “The Keshet International team is a global leader and we look forward to introducing revolutionary new television formats to US audiences and beyond.”
Blecher began his career with Dick Clark Productions in 2005 as manager and has held several roles with the company. Most recently, Blecher served as vice president of development TV and digital programming overseeing a variety of projects including Golden Gods for VH1 and the upcoming Star Spangled Spectacular for PBS.
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.
