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Hollander is Viacom’s radio station Infinity’s COO
MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom has announced that Joel Hollander will be the president and COO of its radio network Infinity Broadcasting. The announcement was made by Infinity Broadcasting chairman and CEO John Sykes.
Hollander who recently served as Westwood One president and CEO will now oversee day-to-day operations of Infinity’s 183 radio stations across the US. He will report to Sykes and begin his new role from 16 June 2005.
Sykes said, “Joel is one of the most gifted executives working in radio today and has built Westwood One into an exceptionally successful radio operation. Because of Infinity’s relationship with Westwood One, Joel has become one of my closest colleagues in the industry and was my only choice for this important position. I am very pleased to welcome Joel back to Infinity, and I am confident that his presence will make an immediate impact on our business.”
Hollander said, “Infinity Broadcasting is the foremost radio group in the industry with an unrivalled portfolio of stations. I look forward to building our business and growing our local operations and competitive positions in the markets and communities that we serve.”
Infinity Broadcasting claims to be one of the largest major-market radio operators in the US. Its stations cover the news, modern rock, oldies, country, FM talk, classic rock and urban formats. Infinity owns 185 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets and reach more than 76 million listeners a week and is also home to 29 of the country’s leading sports franchises amongst the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL.
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.
