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NBC’s Friends hits TV commercial price peak at Rs 24 m. for a 30 second spot
MUMBAI: The crib amongst Indian media buyers, planners and marketers is that TV commercial commercial air time at around Rs 1.5 million for a 30 second spot on Star Plus’ Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ghar Ki is priced way too high.
Wonder what they would say if they had to advertise on the US’ highest rated sitcom Friends. One 30-second commercial on the NBC show costs $455,700 (around Rs 24 million) according to Advertising Age’s annual network pricing survey. That commercial rate got you an average of 33.3 million viewers if one goes by data provided by Nielsen’s Media Research. Rs 24 million is probably the budget that some Indian advertisers set aside for a month.
Friends, which is probably in its last season and has just got the Emmy for best comedy series, toppled CBS’ reality TV show Survivor from its top slot of most expensive commercial space ever ($445,000 for a 30 second spot last year). Ad Age points out that “The cost of Friends soared 29 per cent vs. a year ago; the show’s ratings last season rose a surprising 21 per cent in the key 18 to 49-year-old age group with an average Nielsen 11.9 rating/31 share.”
NBC’s other big ticket TV show ER occupied the second most expensive show for advertisers with an average of $438,514 per 30-second spot. At third spot was last year’s leader Survivor which fell to $418,750.
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.
