News Headline
CBS News extends David Rhodes’ contract through 2019
MUMBAI: CBS has inked a new contract with CBS News president and CEO David Rhodes that extends his employment through February 2019. Rhodes has been president of CBS News since 2011.
CBS president and CEO Leslie Moonves said, “CBS News is experiencing division-wide growth. David’s exceptional news judgment and competitive acumen has had a great impact so far, and we look forward to continued growth on all our news broadcasts as we move forward.”
Rhodes is responsible for CBS News broadcasts and its global newsgathering. His emphasis on hard news and original reporting is evident across all platforms, including television, CBS News Radio and CBSNews.com. He also spearheaded the launch of CBSN, a joint effort between CBS News and CBS Interactive to create the first digital streaming news network.
Rhodes was a catalyst behind the creation and launch of the CBS This Morning program, including the development of a new studio and newsroom at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. He also helped to expand Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer to a full hour as the broadcast became the #1 Sunday public affairs show.
Before joining CBS News, Rhodes held senior roles at Bloomberg and Fox News. At Bloomberg, he was head of US Television, overseeing all development, editorial, newsgathering, and programming. He also relaunched the financial news service’s flagship cable channel in 2009 and made important changes in the network’s talent and programming.
Rhodes started his career in 1996 as a production assistant at the newly launched Fox News Channel, where he eventually became vice president of News. While there, he managed coverage of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, three presidential elections, and natural weather disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. He also was the assignment manager on the Fox News desk the morning of 11 September, 2001.
Moonves added, “I’m delighted that CBS News will remain under the leadership of one of the most accomplished young executives in the television news industry for many years to come.”
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.
