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US stations set to stop airing Arnie’s films on TV
LOS ANGELES: Arnold “Terminator” Schwarzenegger’s decision to run for the post of California Governor could see local television channels in the state pulling the plug on his films temporarily.
This is because US election rules demand equal air time for all candidates on local TV. If the likes of Terminator and Total Recall are aired then the other candidates could also demand that the station in question give them more time.
The Federal Communications Commission rules apply to the 56-year-old star’s films. A BBC news report states that the rules aim at keeping the campaign process fair to all candidates. The four major US broadcasters NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox do not plan to show any of the actor’s films during the campaigning period.
The problem is not new. In 1973, actor George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in Star Trek, had problems when he was running for Los Angeles City Council. An episode of the science fiction series was shown – featuring 17 minutes of Takei on screen. As a result the other candidates successfully demanded equal airtime.
Elections for a new California governor to recall incumbent Gray Davis have been set for 7 October. Davis came under fire for his inability to handle the state’s budget deficit and its crippling energy shortages. Schwarzenegger himself is said to be keen that his films are not screened as it would remind the voter of his macho image at a time when he is trying to come across as a serious person.
Meanwhile the FCC rule also requires that broadcasters and radio stations offer candidates their lowest advertising rates.
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.
