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Chrome Data: A reality check for Star’s RIO?
MUMBAI: In a move that was bound to give birth to a whole new module of distribution, Star India, after deciding to enter only into Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) deals, in late October this year, decided to give incentives to the multi system operators (MSOs) for carrying its channels.
With a promise to empower the viewer and platforms, usher in a new era of transparency, and boost the entire digitisation eco-system, the broadcaster decided to incentivise platform operators, if they meet the three criteria: firstly, provide more Star channels on its platform; secondly, give it to as many subscribers as it can; and thirdly, give easy access by placing the channels in the top LCN on its platform.
However, the shift didn’t go down well with the multi system operators (MSOs). Voices were raised; only to go down with a pinch of salt as slowly they agreed to put all Star channels on a la carte. With IndusInd Media and Communications Limited (IMCL) being the first one to agree to the demands of Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF), the others including Den Networks, Digicable and Siti Cable also agreed to give the Star network channels only on viewer’s choice.
Hathway Cable & Datacom joined the bandwagon after almost a month, by coming out with its new pricing and packaging system.
And now with everyone toeing the same lines, one would expect things getting in place, if not perfect. However, a look at the opportunity to see (OTS) collated week-on-week by Chrome Data Media & Analytics tells another story.
If numbers are to be believed, the OTS of channels from the network have seen a setback after the announcement of RIO. There has been a certain percentage difference between the pre and the post RIO era. And suffering the most are the niche and sports channels from the network’s stable.
Sports channel s across India saw a drop of 9.5 per cent OTS. Channels impacted by this drop are Star Sports 1, 2, 3 & 4. Similarly, English entertainment and movie channels too have felt the heat. With 27.7 per cent OTS drop and 11.7 per cent OTS loss, channels like Star Movies and Star Movies Action and Star World and Fox Crime are losing out in their respective genres.
The only channels which haven’t seen much impact from the RIO deal belong to the general entertainment category. It has seen a marginal drop of 0.5 per cent OTS from 81.76 per cent to 81.39 per cent, thanks to high demand of channels like Channel V, Star Utsav and Star Plus.
To fix the damage done, the network will have to work hand-in-hand with the MSOs and advertise as much as possible to let consumers want to avail all its channels.
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.
