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Downlink policy harsh on sports and international news channels
MUMBAI: Sports broadcasters say the downlink policy laid down by the information and broadcasting ministry will adversely affect them.
“You have paid money to buy sports properties and the government puts up a guideline that you have to share it with somebody else. It is like playing a match and the goal post is suddenly shifted to another corner,” says ESPN Software India head of distribution Sricharan Iyengar, referring to the mandatory sharing of live cricket telecast with pubcaster Doordarshan as stated in the downlink policy.
International news channels also could be hit by the prescription of “not carrying any advertisements aimed at Indian viewers.” BBC, which has a much larger business from India, is likely to be more affected than CNN. Industry watchers also say that CNN could benefit from the co-branding deal it recently signed up with iBN, which is headed by Rajdeep Sardesai and is planning to soon roll out an English-language general news channel.
Some observers feel the global news channels, though, can claim that the ads were targeting an Asian or global audience and were not specifically aimed at the Indian viewers. “It will be difficult for anybody to prove that the ads were designed only for India,” says an industry expert.
The channels, however, were not willing to comment openly on the downlinking policy of TV channels. “BBC World, the international news and information channel reaching over 200 countries and territories, is currently considering the content of the guidelines and will respond in due course,” says a BBC spokesperson.
Foreign-owned broadcasters were still evaluating the impact the guidelines would have on them. SET India COO NP Singh does not think the policy, which requires the company applying for downlinking a channel to be registered in India, will have major tax implications. “It does not necessiate any change in the models broadcasters have been following. Overall, the policy may impact sports broadcasters and news channels but general entertainment channels are untouched. But it is something which we are still evaluating,” he says. Foreign companies have their broadcasting arms housed overseas.
Will Sony’s hybrid channel Max, which has ICC rights including the World Cup till 2007 be affected? “We have been sharing these matches with DD. We have already built that into our value,” says Singh.
But what about distribution revenues as SET Discovery was banking on Ten Sports to drive growth? “The bouquet does get impacted but not in a major way. There is, after all, a difference between exclusive and non exclusive content,” says Singh.
Will this drive down valuations of sports properties? Singh says that will depend on several other factors and decisions will not just be based on the distribution model. “It is difficult to say at this stage whether there will be a dramatic or marginal impact. The price will also be based on competitive scenarios.”
Star India would be able to take a holistic view only after studying the policy, a company spokesperson said.
Cable operators have welcomed the policy of private broadcasters sharing cricket content with DD. “Sports channels can’t arm twist us the way they were doing earlier. We are also happy that Prasar Bharati is allowed to transmit the feed on DD Sports, a satellite channel,” says a senior executive of a leading multi system operator.
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.
