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ETV News to be re-branded as News 18
KOLKATA: Re-branding is not new to the world of media; brands across sectors undergo the change on various accounts – to catch the target group’s attention, due to mergers or just to give a facelift.
The latest to join the bandwagon is TV18 Broadcast. Part of Network18 Group, the network has various regional news channels under its umbrella.
Come April, next year, and ETV news channels will be known as News18, as per the agreement between the TV18 Group and the erstwhile owner, Eenadu Group, an ETV insider revealed.
Also, TV18, which has acquired 100 per cent interest in the regional Hindi news channels namely ETV Uttar Pradesh, ETV Madhya Pradesh, ETV Rajasthan and ETV Bihar will be known as News 18 UP, News 18 MP, News 18 Rajasthan and News 18 Bihar, respectively as per the agreement.
ETV Network’s head when contacted on the same, confirmed the development. “Till March 2015, TV18 group would use the old name and logo. But from April 2015, the logo and name of the channels will change,” he says.
However, Viacom18 executive vice-president Ravish Kumar refused to comment on the same.
Incubators Group CMD Kaushlendra Singh Sengar highlights that one of the key strengths of ETV channels’ is their ability to attract and retain loyal viewers. And TV18 is confident of taking these regional channels to even greater heights with its strategic inputs, improved content/programming strategies and operational synergies. “If the ETV channels are re-branded as News18, it will be a good move since TV18 has a bouquet of leading television channels under its umbrella.”
Recently TV18 completed its acquisition of ETV Bangla.
Sengar adds, “As part of the deal for acquisition of ETV channels, Network18 and TV18 have also entered in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Infotel Broadband Services (Infotel), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. Under the MoU the companies and their associates will have the right to distribute the content of all the media and web properties of Network18.” he says.
The tie-up with Infotel will enable Network18 and TV18 to build on their first-mover advantage for the distribution of their content through the latest broadband technology.
“The key advantage for millions of viewers will be the ability to enjoy an uninterrupted, high quality, 24-hour viewership, even while they are on the move,” concludes Sengar.
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.
