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LALIGA encourages clubs to offer more and better audiovisual content during broadcasts
Mumbai: LALIGA clubs gathered on Friday, 4 August where the First Division Board approved (18 votes in favour, two abstentions and one vote against) for an additional parameter to be included in the ‘audience recognition’ criteria – that is to say knowledge and awareness of a club among audiences – allowing for a more equitable and fairer distribution of resources generated by the commercialization of the competition’s television broadcasts.
The initiative, which applies initially only to LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs, is based on implementing new and innovative voluntary measures that will enhance the audiovisual experience. It comes in response to demands from LALIGA’s broadcast rights holders for an improved product to raise it to the level of other elite sports competitions. Ultimately, the aim is to increase the value of the competition’s audiovisual rights as much as possible, thus fulfilling LALIGA’s legal responsibility.
A new method of distribution has been approved for two-thirds of the 25 per cent revenue share corresponding to so-called ‘audience recognition,’ independent of season tickets and gate receipts. Half of the two-thirds will be distributed in line with audience share, as has been the case until now; the other half will be distributed in line with the degree of collaboration with these new voluntary initiatives relating to broadcasters’ requests.
The ultimate aim of the measures is to incentivise the improvement of LALIGA’s audiovisual product and in turn generate more income. The level of collaboration will be measured by each club’s audience ratings multiplied by the average audience generated.
This new system only affects the 25 per cent ‘audience recognition’ criteria for revenue distribution. The remaining 75 per cent of revenue will continue to be distributed in accordance with the terms of the Royal Decree and the LALIGA’s General Regulations.
The measures and proposed results are a response to the needs of a constantly evolving market in which it is essential to strengthen links with fan bases that demand new content to better their match experience, something that other major European leagues are already working on.
Broadcasting improvements
Through this incentive system, which allows for a better measurement of ‘audience recognition,’ LALIGA aims to foster greater willingness from clubs to engage in interviews with coaching staff, pre-match footage from inside changing rooms, and greater involvement of players across a host of different broadcast formats.
These exciting incentives complement the variety of new features LALIGA has already unveiled for the 2023/24 season. Fans will see a whole new broadcast product thanks to a redesigned graphics package, offering new perspectives and angles, more detailed information, and a much more immersive viewing experience.
New camera angles in the dugouts, aerial cameras, cinematic cameras in player tunnels and improved visuals all come with a nod to the EA SPORTS FC video game. These, along with many other innovations such as the changes to the distribution model, aim to offer the best possible experience for fans.
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.
