News Headline
ITV to launch mobile portal with FremantleMedia’s ‘The X Factor’
|
MUMBAI: ITV and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW) have inked a mobile video agreement for The X Factor. |
|
Fans of the UK’s biggest ever televised talent search will be able to watch clips of memorable events from the show. There will also be news and gossip via SMS and MMS alerts, ringtone and wallpaper downloads plus competitions, games and quizzes. The X Factor will be the first programme brand to be launched on the new ITV Mobile portal. |
|
ITV commercial development director Jane Marshall said, “The X Factor is producing some of the best entertainment on TV right now and we’re therefore pleased to be launching our portal with it. This marks the start of a major roll-out of mobile content services by ITV.”  FLW vice president, licensing Dom Wheeler added, “We are always looking at innovative ways to translate our brands into the multi-media space and mobile is a very important medium for us. By providing top-quality programme clips and exclusive footage from The X Factor direct to mobile phones, our fans will be able to continue enjoying and experiencing the highs and lows of the show whenever and wherever they like. Last year, The X Factor was one of few programmes on British TV to interact with its audience via several different platforms and we hope that the show will be just as successful this year.” The first series of The X Factor proved a massive ratings winner for ITV with over 10 million viewers (42.2 per cent share) tuning in to see Steve Brookstein walk away with a one million pound Sony BMG recording contract. The results show ranked No. 1 in its timeslot and in its target demo of young adults, was the highest rating show of the day across all channels. Once again, FLW is representing all ancillary rights to the show and is targeting a core audience of 16-24-year-olds with a comprehensive licensing programme. |
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.
