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FremantleMedia sees a ground-breaking sale of formats to Asia
CANNES: FremantleMedia International (FMI) has announced that it has sold a ground-breaking 25 formats to seven different Asian markets within the last year. FMI has closed two deals every month since taking over responsibility for format sales in the territory in 2013.
The breadth of formats represented by the deals range from talent shows to gameshows, dating and fashion formats. The latest deal sees the world record-breaking Got Talent franchise, which is co-owned and produced by Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia, sold to Laos broadcaster LNTV3. It was concluded by FMI’s VP international distribution & home entertainment Haryaty Rahman.
Since taking over responsibility for local format sales 12 months ago, Rahman has been the architect of a range of deals that has ensured that Got Talent, Idols and The X Factor in Myanmar and Cambodia, became the first ever international talent or singing formats to have entered these markets. She has also successfully worked with broadcasters in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan to bring Asian audiences some of the world’s best-loved titles like Hole in the Wall, Family Feud, Total Blackout, Project Runway, The Noise and Take Me Out.
Rahman said, “We’re very proud to have sold the equivalent of two formats every month over the last year. It’s a ground-breaking feat and testament to the quality and desirability of FremantleMedia’s formats. It’s a huge advantage that we are based over here as it means we completely understand the requirements of local audiences and broadcasters, allowing us to match their needs with the breadth of titles we have in our catalogue to create the perfect fit.”
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.
