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IBF is not ending TAM subscription: Punit Goenka
MUMBAI: The sword has been hanging on Television Audience Measurement’s (TAM) head for a long time now. From NDTV Group’s $1.3 billion lawsuit (though dismissed by courts) to Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC) likely to start releasing television ratings data by April, as reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, things haven’t been hunky-dory for the measurement body for a while now.
However, not only did the agency fight tooth and nail the allegations of poor quality TAM research data, it also complied with the guidelines set by Information and Broadcasting Ministry for a TV ratings agency in order to exist. For instance, TAM continues to increase the size of the panel to fulfill the minimum peoplemeter sample size of 20,000 homes guideline, set by the I&B Ministry.
With a few months left for BARC to begin rolling out its data, there have been various speculations making rounds in the industry. “There is the cost issue. Why would one pay for both TAM and BARC subscription? Also, since both the measurement bodies have a different way of functioning, one needs to take a break before adopting the new one,” says an industry source on the reason for the ratings blackout, if indeed it ever happens.
So much so, a few media reports have gone on record to say that the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) is planning to end its subscription with TAM leading to a period sans ratings. This in turn has created panic in the industry, as it awaits two major events namely the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the eighth edition of the Indian Premiere League (IPL). As per sources, ad rates for WC are touted to be around Rs 4 lakh for 10 seconds and ad rates for IPL have seen an increase of around 10-15 per cent generating huge ad revenue for broadcasters.
When questioned on the reports doing the rounds and how it would impact the industry in case the IBF decides to end its subscription from TAM, Kantar CEO Eric Salama laughs saying, “I don’t know about the intentions.”
What’s more, an industry source close to the development clarifies that so far the ratings agency had not heard from the IBF or anyone from the industry on the matter.
To get further confirmation on the matter, Indiantelevision.com contacted IBF board member and BARC chairman Punit Goenka and he denied the report as well. “There is no such decision taken by the IBF,” he asserted.
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.
