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MTV US undergoes restructuring
MUMBAI: MTV US has announced a re-organisation of its programming department. The aim is to concentrate on developing online content for the Overdrive site and other Web initiatives.
There will be two divisions. One group will focus on normal TV programming and the other on short-form content that will be available to various platforms. No jobs have been cut in the restructuring.
MTV president Christina Norman said, “When I returned to MTV last year, we had entered the broadband era with MTV Overdrive to great critical and user acclaim and were developing unique new wireless entertainment while our linear channel was performing better than ever. In order to continue strengthening our connection to young people in today’s digital age, it became clear that we needed to adapt our organisational structure in the same way we have always adapted our programming to meet our audiences’ ever-changing tastes.”
One group, led by former MTV executive VP news and production Dave Sirulnick, will be charged with creating short-form content for the various platforms under the MTV brand, including the broadband property MTV Overdrive. Reporting to Sirulnick in his new role as executive VP, MTV multiplatform production, news and music are: former VP of music programming Amy Doyle, who will lead MTVN’s music strategy as senior VP of music and talent; Tony DiBari, who was bumped up to executive VP of production; and MTV News VP Ocean MacAdams.
Sirulnick’s group will concentrate on developing short-form video, music and news content for the linear networks, as well as exclusive, platform-specific fare tailored for so-called ‘third screen’ outlets, including broadband and wireless.
The second group will concentrate on developing long-form franchises for MTVN’s linear networks. Lois Curren heads that effort in her new role as MTV series entertainment and programming executive VP. Sje will work closely with MTV executive VP, series development and animation Tony DiSanto, who will also lead programming at MTV2.
Straddling both worlds is MTV executive VP, multiplatform programming, content strategy and scheduling Paul DeBenedittis. He will program both short- and long-form content on the appropriate platform. Executive VP of marketing and multiplatform creative Tina Exarhos will continue to manage all marketing and branding efforts for long-form programming, as well as marketing music and series to multiplatform environments.
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.
