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Sun TV Network announces new channel pricing
MUMBAI: While broadcasters are still waiting for the Supreme Court hearing on the TRAI tariff order, most of them are publishing their reference interconnect offer (RIO) already in compliance with the order. Sun TV Network has also announced its RIO almost one week after the TRAI deadline of 31 August.
The broadcaster has also stuck to a maximum 15 per cent MRP discount to distributors. Earlier, Madras High Court chief justice did not uphold TRAI’s proposal of allowing highest 15 per cent cap on discounts despite giving the go-ahead to all other proposals. As any clarification did not come from TRAI, all the broadcasters are adhering to the order to avoid any further confusion.
Sun TV Network’s 25 standard definition channels will be available on a-la-carte basis under Rs 19, as required by regulations. For HD channels, the a-la-carte rate has been fixed at Rs 19. The network has also announced thirteen SD bouquets and three HD bouquets. Targeting the entire belt of South India, Sun Ultimate SD and HD bouquet have been priced at Rs 65.
While most of the broadcasters have published their RIOs, Supreme Court is yet to decide the final destiny of the digital television pricing. It again deferred the hearing of Star India’s petition filed against TRAI tariff and interconnect order to 11 September 2018. The case was first contested in Madras High Court and the high court upheld the tariff order with certain riders.
However, while the supreme decision is still awaiting, major broadcasters have already come up with channel prices. TV18 Broadcast Ltd (TV18), Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India Private Ltd (SPNI), Disney India have made available several bouquets targeting audiences of different natures. The first three broadcasters have also highly focused on regional bouquets. ZEEL was the only broadcaster to publish its RIO before the given deadline. Star India, one of the petitioners against the tariff order has not filed its RIO yet.
Sun TV Network channels have good viewership across all markets in South India. In Tamil market, Sun TV retained its first position with 938999 impressions ‘000s, as per BARC data week 35. The network’s Malayalam GEC Surya TV retained third position in the market with 127136 impressions ‘000s. In Kannada and Telugu markets also, the network’s channels retained positions among top 5 channels.
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.
