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US pubcaster PBS launching blog MediaShift
MUMBAI: US pubcaster PBS has unveiled a new blog called MediaShift. This will explore how new forms of digital media are dramatically changing American society and culture.
MediaShift debuts on 18 January 2006 at www.pbs.org/mediashift. Hosted by industry expert and longtime new media commentator Mark Glaser, MediaShift will offer a continuing look at how digital media such as blogs, RSS, podcasts, citizen journalism, wikis, news aggregators and video repositories are altering the way we live, play and work.
The site will provide a window into this world for the average user while offering enough details to satisfy the more technically savvy, and will offer ongoing opportunities for active public participation and feedback.
Mediashift wil have in-depth blog posts will include rotating features, such as: Q&A’s with industry leaders, commentaries and substantive reporting on recent developments. “The blog aims at being a lively read, entertaining and enthusiastic about new developments in the media landscape, with a healthy dose of skepticism reserved for overly hyped initiatives with little substance” adds Glaser.
Glaser says, “I am thrilled to be working with pbs.org, one of the most trusted names in media, to cover the topical subject of how technology and the Net are transforming the media. I’m looking forward to writing about new forms of journalism and media while also submerging myself in this world even more, and letting my audience participate in new ways.”
PBS Interactive Learning senior VP Cindy Johanson said,”MediaShift promises to be a fascinating blog, and is a natural and exciting addition to pbs.org. This site helps us deliver on the promise of public service media in an Internet age. By providing a dynamic forum for discussion of the tremendous changes occurring daily in how people make, and get, media, we build on PBS’ long history of stimulating discussion around issues of the day.”
In the Your Take feature each week, a different contention or question will be posed to MediaShift’s readers, who will be invited to add their views or share relevant information. One example might be “Do you trust Google News to be fair and accurate?” The question would also be posed to people with a vested interest in and/or particular knowledge of the subject, including people at news outlets, analysts and executives, and news consumers.
The Top 5 Chart will list top companies, people and ideas that are gaining momentum or buzz in the new media world, including new initiatives or breakthrough services.
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.
