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MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central available on iTunes
MUMBAI: MTV Networks and Apple announced that hit television programming from MTV, MTV2, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and The N will now be available for purchase and download on the iTunes Music Store.
The new content features top-rated favourites such as Punk’d, South Park, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Laguna Beach.
Nickelodeon’s Dora is the first preschool programme available on iTunes, while Comedy Central’s Stand-Up is iTunes’ first stand-up comedy programme, and MTV’s Laguna Beach and Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Gauntlet 2 are the first reality-based titles available on iTunes.
With the addition of these 14 shows from MTV Networks, iTunes now offers over 40 TV shows for $1.99 per episode for viewing on a computer or iPod.
“The iTunes Music Store provides an innovative way for us to get our wide range of programming to our viewers. MTV Networks’ brands feature some of the most popular programs in television today, and iTunes allows us to connect our content to even more audiences. We’re committed to having our programming on multiple platforms as our audience’s media consumption behavior evolves,” said MTV Networks chief digital officer Jason Hirschhorn.
“Video has proven to be a smash hit on iTunes with over eight million videos sold. We’re thrilled to add 14 new shows from MTV Networks which include such a wide range of programming from MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central,” said Apple iTunes vice president Eddy Cue.
The new programming spans MTV Networks’ varied brands and includes full seasons of hits from:
— MTV: Laguna Beach — the first-ever reality drama exploring the lives of beautiful teenagers who lead glamorous lives. Gauntlet 2 — the tropical island of Tobago is the setting for the latest showdown between Real World and Road Rules alumni. Beavis & Butt-Head — the animated series following the adventures of Beavis, a blond guy in a Metallica shirt, and Butt-Head, a dark-haired guy in an AC/DC shirt. Jackass — MTV’s own cast of misfits leave common sense and sanity behind to perform some of the most unforgettable pranks on TV. Punk’d — the breakout hit where Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg set up elaborate pranks and take aim on scores of celebrities. My Super Sweet 16 — documents the over-the-top birthday parties and coming-of-age celebrations of teens as they prepare for one of the biggest nights of their lives. And from MTV2: Wonder Showzen — an absurd comedy/variety show spiked with a team of puppets, kids, cartoons, old educational films and political social satire.
— Nickelodeon: Dora the Explorer — the number one program on commercial TV with kids 2-5 years of age and the first preschool program on iTunes. SpongeBob SquarePants — TV’s overall top-rated kids’ show. Zoey 101 — the tween favorite for kids 9-14 years of age starring Jamie Lynn Spears.
— Comedy Central: South Park — the Emmy Award-winning series, soon to begin its tenth season, remains the network’s highest-rated series. Comedy Central Standup — performances from The Amazing Johnathan, Lewis Black, Dave Attell, Dane Cook, Mitch Hedberg, Vic Henley, Steve McGrew, Vince Morris, Godfrey and Patton Oswalt. Drawn Together — presenting a world where cartoon characters from various genres of animation are brought together to live under one roof.
— The N: South of Nowhere — the critically acclaimed drama for teens about a contemporary American family that tackles the issues of identity and self-discovery.
With Apple’s legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated video and Podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and videos online.
The iTunes Music Store features a selection of over 3,000 music videos, Pixar and Disney short films, a variety of hit TV shows, and more than two million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent labels.
iTunes 6 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Music Store and is available as a free download from http://www.apple.com/itunes. Television shows are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country. Television shows are $1.99 per episode, and music videos and short films are $1.99 each.
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.
