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Nielsen to conduct India’s TV universe estimation study for BARC India
MUMBAI: The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has assigned Nielsen to conduct India’s largest universe estimation study on television ownership and viewing habits.
The study will provide the marketing industry with an in-depth understanding on count and composition of television households in the country, with updated numbers over time as industry currency, addressing questions such as number of televisions per household, viewers and viewing habits.
As part of the study, Nielsen will cover three lakh households sample size, and the first round of findings will be released by BARC in early 2016. This by far is the largest study of its kind. The technology used ensures a quick turnaround hence the data will not get dated when released.
With a focus on providing a robust and expanding panel to measure television ratings in the country, the study will also gather data on television owning households in small towns and rural India. As an additional layer to measuring television audiences, the study will capture the paradigm shift in content viewing between linear mediums like the television set, and also digital mediums such as smartphones, tablets, PCs etc.
Nielsen was chosen after a rigorous pitch process, and was awarded the contract based on their superior understanding of the environment and challenges; and the use of novel technology and processes.
The study will be conducted using innovative technology, and with a digital focus. Tools and methods like Computer Aided Personal Interviews, GPS technology and Phone number validation via OTPs will be deployed to ensure greater efficiency in the interview process, increased accuracy and transparency through the end to end process.
BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta said, “As we introduce a new system of television ratings in the country, we are also cognisant of the need to understand the changing television audience across the country. This pioneering study will help address many questions faced by the industry today, and be a ready reckoner for marketers and advertisers, besides helping the panel expansion for television measurement as well. The methodology that has been selected will reduce the time taken for the study, and allow for a quicker turnaround compared to traditional methods.”
Nielsen India MD Prashant Singh added, “The appointment is a testimony to Nielsen’s expertise, and we are excited about being chosen by BARC on this prestigious project. Our vast infrastructure, quality processes and latest technology in data capture and world-class standards, lends a perfect combination to ensure that this study, arguably the largest one of its kind in the country, within the media sector, gets completed in record time.”
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.
