News Headline
Internet radio firm Club 977 expands into Asia via Asiasat
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MUMBAI: Asian satellite service provider Asiasat and Music Media Enterprises Europe have signed a new lease agreement for the use of C-band capacity on AsiaSat 2 to broadcast Club 977’s two Internet radio streams, Club 977 The 80’s Channel and Club 977 The Hitz Channel. |
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Club 977 is based in Minneapolis, US.. Started its first broadcast in 2000, Club 977 now has over five million listeners tuned in to the stream each month from the Internet. Club 977 currently offers two Internet radio stations with a third and fourth channel scheduled for launch in the third quarter of this year. Club 977 The 80’s Channel (www.club977europe.com), the world’s most listened all 80s Internet station, plays the best 80s Pop, Rock and Retro Music whilst Club 977 The Hitz Channel (www.club977hitz.com) plays the best US Top 40, R&B, Hip Hop and Rap music taken directly from the charts. Music Media Enterprises Europe director Henk van Meer said, “We see a high demand for music and radio content from Asian audience. We have chosen Asiasat 2 for our Asian expansion because of its unparalleled coverage, established neighbourhood and penetration, enabling us to reach numerous cable and FM rebroadcast stations, and cellular sites in the region.”  |
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Asiasat CEO Peter Jackson said, “We are delighted to add these new radio services on Asiasat 2. Broadcasters and content providers appreciate the power of AsiaSat 2 in terms of its footprint coverage and audience access. Our effort to bring in more new television, radio and mobile content into this region to satisfy the tremendous demand here will continue”. Club 977 is available on Asiasat 2 in C-band with the following reception parameters: |
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.
