News Headline
Northstar to serve as a global distribution source
NEW YORK: Northstar Media, a new and strategically diverse New York-based television programme distribution company, has positioned itself to serve as a comprehensive source of programming targeted toward today’s extensive, multilevel viewing outlets.
A p ress release says that Northstar Media has roped in entertainment industry veterans to position the company as a comprehensive global distribution source. Under the direction of founders and co-presidents, F. Patrick (Pat) McDonald and Andrew (Andy) Weir, Northstar Media has built a catalogue with over 100 hours of programming, most of it in the music genre. The new company was formed to broaden the horizons of programme distribution by maximising untapped program sources and exploiting short and long-term revenue-generating potentials.
Using the expertise of McDonald and Weir – both accomplished programming and advertising sales executives – Northstar Media has captured the attention of numerous broadcast television, pay-per-view (PPV), video-on-demand (VOD), home entertainment, cable, music, high definition television (HDTV), and Internet outlets currently in search of prime product.
The release adds that Northstar Media is already aligned with programme suppliers such as Plexifilms, Enliven Entertainment, Nancy Glass Productions, Ideal Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Sony, and Sock Bandit Productions, among others.
Since its inception, Northstar claims to have made significant inroads in the distribution sector, having licensed many programmes to various outlets, including:
Image Entertainment
Worldwide home video and DVD rights to direct to DVD expose’ “Hip Hop Immortals” and syndicated series, “Urban Latino TV.”
HDNet
Worldwide high definition television rights to 11-hour miniseries, “Chick Corea: Rendezvous in New York” and the Bangles concert, “Live at the HOB.”
Trio US television rights to Bond and Sigur Ros concerts, The Jammy’s concert/awards show and the documentary feature, “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.”
Women’s Entertainment (WE) Standard definition television rights to the Bangles, “Live at the HOB”
BBC
UK television rights to documentary feature, “I am Trying To Break Your Heart.”
Artisan Home Entertainment North American home video to DVD rights (excluding Japan) to the IMAX rock concert film “All Access.”
Music Choice US broadcast rights to David Allen Coe concert
FUEL 13×30’ series Skate Maps
Channel 4 (UK) 2003 Beyonce’ Knowles Concert
InDemand Documentary feature “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” for PPV
TVN
Documentary feature “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” for PPV
According to McDonald, who along with Weir, has over 30 years of collective experience in the programming and ad sales arena: “We formed Northstar Media with the belief that there are great sources of programming which have untapped sales and revenue-generating potential. Our goal is to identify, exploit and maximize that potential for the benefit of all.”
Prior to forming Northstar, McDonald ran the broadcast sales division for Image Entertainment, the largest home video and DVD distributor in the world for music-related content. McDonald personally handled all content sales to PPV, VOD, HDTV, cable, in-flight entertainment, satellite, network and syndication.
Weir added: “As an example, one of the key benefits to Northstar Media’s model is that we help drive our clients’ home video and DVD sales through the strategic placement of product via pointed distribution. In many cases, this will lead us in recouping a client’s production costs prior to the home video/DVD market distribution.”
Recognising an unfulfilled niche, Weir left his post as senior vice president, eastern sales for Warner Bros. Domestic Television co-found Northstar Media banner and open its doors to new and varied marketing and sales opportunities. For the last five of his 15 year tenure with Warner Bros. Weir ran the New York sales operation overseeing annual sales in excess of $20 million. This included the sale and renewal of such well-known series as Friends, Will & Grace, Rosie O’Donnell Show and Extra to name a few.
Northstar Media identifies quality video, film and digital product and sells that product for its clients to multiple outlets in both the US and international markets. Such outlets include television, including but not limited to, broadcast and cable networks, syndication, satellite, pay-per-view and high definition television. Other outlets include in-flight entertainment video-on demand and home video/DVD.
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.
