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BARC week 39: ‘Howdy Modi’ and UNGA proceedings boost English news viewership
BENGALURU: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and incidents related to the event such as the speech of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan and the abrogation of article 370, helped boost up English news viewership in Broadcast Audience Research Council of India’s (BARC) week 39, 2019 ratings. After the super success of ‘Howdy Modi’, the Indian premier’s speech was the most awaited one by world. Short to the point, the speech called upon the world to unite to face challenges such as terror, climate, fight against poverty, etc.
The combined viewership of the top 5 English news channels in week 39 of 2019 (Saturday, 21 September 2019 to Friday, 27 September 2019, week or period under review) increased 0.788 million weekly impressions or by 41 per cent as compared to the previous week – week 38. Needless to say that all the five channels saw ratings climb up at least 32 per cent during the period under review.
As mentioned above, viewership of the top 5 English news channels increased 41 per cent in week 39 of 2019 to 2.716 million impressions as compared to 1.928 million weekly impressions. Please refer to the figure below:
The ranks of the top 5 English news channels in week 39 of 2019 were the same as those in week 38 of 2019. Please refer to the chart below:
English news channels in week 39 of 2019
Despite Arnab Goswami being conspicuous by his absence during some of the boisterous and uncontrolled debates that contribute hugely to his channel’s viewership and numero uno position, Republic TV saw its viewership increase 44 per cent or by 0.272 million weekly impressions in week 39 of 2019 from 0.621 million weekly impressions in the previous week. Times Now, at second rank, saw viewership increase by 0.152 million (32 per cent increase) weekly impressions in week 39 of 2019 to 0.621 million weekly impressions from 0.469 million weekly impressions in week 38.
Continuing on at third rank, pubcaster Doordarshan’s English news channel saw ratings increase by 0.130 million weekly impressions (42 per cent increase) to 0.439 million weekly impressions in week 39 of 2019 from 0.309 million weekly impressions in the previous week. India Today Group’s India Today TV at rank 4, saw its ratings increase 0.125 million weekly impressions or increase by 45 per cent to 0.401 million weekly impressions in week 39 of 2019 from 0.276 million weekly impressions. Completing the quintet at rank 5, Network18’s CNN News18 saw viewership increase 43 per cent or by 0.109 million weekly impressions in week 39 of 2019 to 0.362 million weekly impressions from 0.253 million weekly impressions in week 38.
Please refer to the figure below:
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.
