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EM.Ent signs deal with intl broadcasters for 2006 Fifa mascot TV series
MUMBAI: EM.Entertainment has secured deals with broadcasters in Europe, Asia and South America for Goleo VI.
This series features the official mascot of the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany.
Distribution company Corpco Communications secured exclusive TV rights for Chinese pubcaster CCTV, who is the official broadcaster for the 2006 Fifa World Cup matches. Corpco Communications also acquired exclusive licenses for exploitation on video/DVD, video-on-demand and mobile entertainment for the Chinese market.
In South Korea, EM.Entertainment succeeded in licensing exploitation rights to Goleo VI for TV, video-on-demand and mobile content to distribution company Infiniss. Exclusive free-TV broadcast rights to the series were secured by Indonesian station SCTV PT Surya Citra Televisi, which is also a 2006 Fifa World Cup TV partner. In addition, rights management company Nafalia acquired exclusive free-TV rights for Malaysia back in December 2005.
Goleo VI is a sitcom for the whole family featuring a combination of two separate productions. The first is a live-action production with puppets, consisting of 21 episodes of 40 seconds each, while the second is a 3D animation with 24 ten second spots.
The production of all 21 puppet episodes has already been completed in both German and English. The first 16 3D spots are also finished, with all 24 scheduled for delivery by the end of March 2006.
In Latin America, RCN has taken the exclusive free-TV, pay-TV and home entertainment rights to the series for Colombia. And in Europe, the series is set to air on Croatian broadcaster HRT.
Further contract agreement was sealed in South America, where TV station RCN has taken exclusive free-TV, pay-TV and home entertainment rights to the series for Columbia. Back in December 2005, EM.Entertainment granted exclusive free and pay-TV rights to Mexican free-TV station TV Azteca. TV Azteca and Televisa are 2006 FIFA World CupTM TV partners for Mexico. Furthermore, Comarex, TV Aztecas distribution arm, has secured mobile content rights for exploitation in Latin America and among the Hispanic population of the US.
In Eastern Europe, EM.Entertainment sold the official mascot TV Series to Croatian broadcaster Hrvatska Televizija (HRT), which likewise is an Official Broadcaster of the 2006 Fifa World Cup matches. HRT acquired the exclusive rights to Goleo VI for free-TV.
In addition, distributor Cable Arab Network has been granted a license for exclusive broadcast in free and pay-TV, as well as for exploitation within the mobile entertainment sector in several markets in the Middle East and North Africa.
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.
