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US mothers prefer Internet to TV for info
MUMBAI: This is news that should give the US advertising community targetting the mother, food for thought on where they should allocate budgetary resources. The internet is turning out to be the information source that American mothers turn to the most. The information is contained in a study conducted by C&R Research which was commissioned by Disney Online.
84 per cent of mothers who use the Internet said that if they had to give up one type of media, they would miss the Internet more than any other source of information or entertainment. The study’s methodology used segmentation analysis to identify four distinct groups spanning heavy Internet users to non-techie moms.
The study also found that including email, moms now use the Internet almost twice as much as they watch TV. They spend 13.2 hours a week online versus a mere 7.6 hours per week sitting in front of the idiot box. The Internet outranks TV, radio and magazines as a trusted source of information. Only newspapers were ranked higher by just three per cent.
The data showed interesting commonalities between three segments — The Yes Mom, Mrs. Net Skeptic, and Tech Nesters — which together comprise 77 per cent of the 31 million moms online. Commonalities include use of the Internet for information gathering, purchase research and openness to online advertising that provides tips and suggestions that relate to family life.
Disney Online senior VP, MD Ken Goldstein was quoted in a company release saying, “We found it enlightening that a segmentation analysis pointed to strong similarities in online attitudes, behaviors and needs. The fact that these Internet moms are interested in Internet ads related to family life suggests that online media can be purchased using many of the same buying techniques used in traditional media planning — by segment as well as by reach. Where we give moms useful information, it is clear that they are embracing online advertising as a tool in their decision making.”
Nine out of 10 Internet moms agree that they want to simplify their lives and the Internet helps fulfill that function. The mothers surveyed ranked weather, food and cooking, entertainment, news, health, and parenting as the most popular types of sites to visit. 64 per cent of the Internet moms embrace ads that provide ideas, tips and suggestions that are family-related.
The study was conducted from July to December 2003. Over 1,800 moms with kids aged 6-14 were recruited using the C&R Research KidzEyes panel, a statistically representative online panel. A sophisticated segmentation analysis was also performed.
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.
