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Radio war for cricket eardrums commences
MUMBAI: It was a programming strategy that could be overlooked only at the cost of being left out. And FM radio stations in the city have obliged by getting bitten by the cricket bug.
Three of the five radio stations in Mumbai have announced elaborate programming in preparation for the World Cup, although the privilege of a live commentary that lies in the domain of news, has been denied to private FM players. Most programming is in the form of short one to 1.5 minute capsules, enough to hook the viewer between songs. While some are plugging merchandise as prizes for contest winners, others are baiting with cricket trivia, call in shows, and of course, the SMS route. Radio Mirchi and Go are yet to get drawn into the cricket web, or are perhaps adopting a wait and watch policy while the others go public with their ideas.
Cricket thus has become the next big programming leap for the fledgling radio stations after radio versions of Kaun Banega Crorepati filled the airwaves in October last. The game shows on four of the five channels had prizes upto a lakh rupees being offered on a daily basis.
For cricket, Millenium Broadcast’s WIN 94.6 has drawn up distinct “interactive intensive” promotions, and a clutch of shows that hope to cash in on cricket fever. Two of the shows, claims CEO Gautam Radia have never been done on radio before. Radio Cricket is an actual game played live on-air. Two teams of one person each get to face one over with two wickets in hand. A cricket based question comprises one ball, and an incorrect answer a wicket taken. The team with the most runs wins big. The promotion runs for a period of six weeks and the actual games take place on every Sunday.
Cricket Trivia will run every hour from 8 am to 8 pm every day until February 7, and will consist of questions that test the cricket knowledge of listeners. The station has created a wealth of merchandise that can be won as prizes.
Although details are not forthcoming just yet, the station also plans to launch more cricket related shows after 9 February, apart from regular radio jockey updates, and early morning match wraps. Needless to say, SMS, the latest technique to keep a pulse on listener response is being pressed into service.
Win may have something to crow about. According to Radia, “We’ve just been ranked #1 in the listener loyalty index, recently surveyed by ORG Marg. Our World Cup programming also marks the marketing potential of radio being taken to a new level.”
Radio City has a cricket rating board, GaGa over South Africa (a quiz show), Sidhu Stop That (a contest on completing Sidhuisms!), Cricket in Swing (Facts on Cricket), Fun Chanting (Call in with a chant for your team) and Score Board (info and updates on the latest scores).
RED from the India Today group is the only one who has thus far promised its own person in the field, India Today sports editor Sharda Ugra, who RED spokespersons say will be giving regular live updates on the happenings on the field, getting the closest they can to a commentary. Ugra apart, RED’s lineup also squeezes cricket dry. There’s Know your Team – a profile of each team in the running for the Cup; World Cup records, recent form, strengths, weaknesses, odds of winning and so on; Learn Your Lingo – A take on Mad magazine’s “What they say and what they mean”. Young Turks – profiles of promising new blood across teams. Simply not Cricket (humour segments), Old Turks – profiles of the veterans who could possibly be playing their last World Cup, My team for the cup – Sports people giving an educated opinion on their favorite team to win the cup and why, Spouse interviews of current team members – wives or girlfriends of the team for South Africa have their say; Celeb Wishes, ’83 – World Cup team’s family golden moments, a 30 day countdown, score updates and expert updates.
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.
