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US broadcasters register gains in upfront ad sales
MUMBAI: The US broadcast networks have managed positive responses on the upfront ad sales front.
Even Disney’s struggling broadcast network ABC managed to complete its upfront ad sales for the year. The network was able to bring in $2.1 billion in total primetime upfront sales for the 2004-2005 television season.
A report in MediaDailyNews indicated that NBC was the winner in overall take of the upfront pie. However the sales figure of $2.9 billion in inventory was flat with the record upfront haul that was achieved last year. Of course one must consider the fact that advertisers have maintained their confidence in the broadcaster in the absence of Friends and Frasier.
The Viacom owned CBS reported the biggest jump in volume increases, from last year’s upfront take of $2.2 billion to this year’s $2.4 billion. CSI has consistently beaten the competition in the ratings. In India the show airs on AXN. CBS ad sales president JoAnn Ross added that advertisers rewarded CBS for its strong, consistent programme schedule and the ratings. CBS sold between 80 and 85 per cent of its inventory in the upfront market.
In all ABC will sell five per cent less inventory than last year. It is placing its bets on the fact that it can price content at a premium in the scatter market. In a company release ABC sales and marketing president Mike Shaw had noted, “Historically, over the last 11 out of 12 years, the scatter marketplace for all networks has seen increases over upfront pricing, so selling more scatter has been advantageous for the networks” .
NBC also held back more for the scatter. While it sold 83 per cent of its prime-time inventory during the upfront last year, this year the figure stood at 78 per cent.
In addition to revenue for the entertainment upfront, ABC’s total primetime upfront revenues include $500-600 million in primetime sports sales. These include Monday Night Football, the National Basketball Association and Bowl Championship Series. Then there is the Academy Awards. In India this event airs on Star Movies.
These sports and special events add up to six weeks of primetime programming, and include some of ABC’s highest-rated programming of the year. Another prime property for ABC is the Primetime Emmy awards.
CBS’ sister network UPN was a major winner. Its reality show America’s Next Top Model was a hit. UPN sold about $350 million in advertising for the next television season, compared to $250 million a year ago.
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.
