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Republic TV leads English News as genre ratings increase a bit
BENGALURU: The Arnab Goswami led Republic TV continued its supremacy over the English News genre in week 39 of 2017 (Saturday, 23 September 2017 to Friday, 29 September 2017). The channel has been topping Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) weekly lists of top 10 English News channels All India (U+R) : NCCS AB : Males 22+ Individuals right from the very first week of its launch on 6 May 2017 (week 19 of 2017). The Times Group flagship English News channel Times Now, which had what seemed an unassailable first rank in the genre, was replaced by Republic TV. The combined ratings of the top 5 English News channels in week 39 of 2017 increased to 2.888 million weekly impressions as compared to the 2.716 million weekly ratings in week 38. All the top five channels in week 39 retained their week 38 ranks and places, with four of the five scoring higher ratings as compared to the previous week. Only NDTV 24 x 7 had slightly lower ratings in week 39 as compared to week 38.
In week 39 of 2017, Republic TV viewership increased to 0.982 million weekly impressions from 0.902 million weekly impressions in week 38. Times Now saw its weekly impressions in week 39 increase to 0.857 million as compared to 0.791 million in the previous week and was ranked second in the list. CNN News 18 was ranked third in week 39 with 0.368 million weekly impressions, higher as compared the 0.347 million weekly impressions in week 38.
India Today Television also retained rank four with 0.353 million weekly impressions in week 39 of 2017 as compared to 0.343 million weekly impressions in week 38. NDTV 24 x 7 completed the quintet with 0.328 million weekly impressions in week 39 as compared to 0.331 million weekly impressions in week 38. In week 38, NDTV 24 x 7 had re-entered at fifth place in the top 5 English News genre list replacing BBC World News.
In the meantime, both the genre toppers – Republic TV and Times Now continued their on-air muscle flexing on their respective channels just after BARC ratings were released today after 1100 hours. Each once again showed different interpretations of BARC data to its genre leadership in terms of viewership, while accusing the other of mis-practice and unfairness. Detailed BARC data is generally released to paid subscribers at 1100 hours on Thursday and limited data that has been used to make this report to the public at 1300 hours. Since Thursday 5 October 2017 was a public holiday, the data was released one day later on 6 October 2017.
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.
