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Tony Elison is VP Interactive Media at MTV Intl
NEW YORK: Tony Elison has returned to MTV Networks International (MTVNI) in the newly created position of vice president, Interactive Media Development, for the brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and The Music Factory (TMF).
An official release informs that in his new role, Elison will develop MTVNI’s new media and interactive business, partnering with the network’s locally run channels and businesses around the world. The New York based Elison will report to Executive VP, MTV Networks International, Sahar Elhabashi.
Elison is responsible for seeking out new interactive opportunities for MTVNI’s music and kids brands around the world. The aim is to further maximise audience connections and revenue streams. He was closely involved in MTV International’s Motorola sponsorship deal which closed earlier this year, and has been appointed as the point person for all wireless/online content and development for this multifaceted deal. This will see the MTV and Motorola brands partnering on both distribution and content opportunities in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
Elhabashi said, “Tony’s familiarity with our international organization coupled with his extensive expertise in the business of new media makes him the perfect person to develop our international interactive business to reach its maximum potential, in partnership with our locally run and managed businesses, around the world. We have an aggressive growth strategy, and with Tony’s expertise, I am confident that we will create innovative and value adding applications that will complement and drive our businesses”.
Elison returns to MTVNI after a two year break. He first came to MTVNI as a consultant based in New York, and was immediately dispatched to Japan as Manager, International Business Development to help develop the MTV Japan business. He was promoted to Marketing Director of MTV Japan in 1996. Elison returned to New York in 1997, taking a lead in MTVN’s international interactive development, where he worked on developing the MTVi Group Japan, MTV Asia’s online business, and MTV Latin America’s deal with Terra Networks, an online distribution deal extending the reach of premium MTV content to online users in both Latin America and the Spanish-speaking US market.
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.
