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BBC Worldwide’s TV exports up by 13 per cent
LONDON: BBC Worldwide has announced that its TV and TV related exports have, once again, made a significant contribution to the UK’s total TV export industry, rising at double the pace of the market.
The British Television Distributors Association (BTDA) has announced a 6.6 per cent increase on last year’s TV exports bringing this year’s total to $666 million (calendar year 2002), compared to 2001’s figure of $624 million.
An official release informs that BBC Worldwide’s total media exports rose by 13 per cent to $362 million from last year’s $322 million. This accounted for 54 per cent of the total UK market
Chief Executive BBC Worldwide Rupert Gavin says; “Our on-going success in the export market is due to our highly visible platforms around the world, which have enabled us to build a substantial global business. Key factors have been the launch of BBC channels, branded blocks, the re-versioning of programmes such as The Weakest Link and Top of the Pops for local markets, and joint venture partnerships, driving significant business growth in key territories such as the USA and Canada.”
Across North America, BBC Worldwide has grown its business by 16.7 per cent, the release states. In addition to The Weakest Link format sales around the world (Kamzor Kadii Kaun aired in India on Star Plus), other major BBC properties that contributed to the sales success include the internationally acclaimed factual series, The Blue Planet which is airing in India on Discovery and Walking with Beasts. Children’s properties such as Teletubbies and Tweenies continued to expand across media around the world, and the drama series The Lost World proved to be an international hit.
BTDA industry figures represent the best and most accurate measure of Britain’s TV exports. The process of aggregating industry numbers was implemented by DCMS recommendations, following its enquiry into the export business in 1999.
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.
