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Viacom, Comcast ink 5-year TV broadcast pact
MUMBAI: Cable television majors Viacom Inc and Comcast Corp. have signed a five-year landmark distribution contract, agreeing to broadcast Viacom’s CBS affiliates and national cable networks on Comcast’s cable-TV systems.
The pact covers most of Viacom channels like MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Comedy Central and BET. Additionally, Comcast will augment its digital suite of services by launching Nicktoons and MTV Hits and increasing the distribution of MTV2, Nickelodeon GAS, VH1 Classic and VH1 Country.
The pact also provides for joint development of new video-on-demand (VoD) services featuring popular branded content from CBS News and the MTV Networks family of properties.
The contract, which is effective immediately, includes both extensions of existing carriage deals as well as renewal of expiring affiliate contracts.
Though the financial terms were not disclosed, negotiating an overall deal is expected to increase Viacom’s leverage. According to a Reuters report, cable companies like Comcast have been trying to reduce program costs by holding down the price it pays to carry cable channels while broadcasters are trying to leverage their popular brands to get cable companies to take on new networks.
Comcast became the largest cable television operator in the US after it acquired AT&T Corp and reportedly has 21 million subscribers.
Viacom president and COO Mel Karmazin was quoted in a company release as saying, “This company-wide agreement between two industry leaders is unprecedented and is a major extension and enhancement of the long-standing and successful relationship between our two companies. We are very pleased that we can continue to provide Comcast subscribers with Viacom’s popular array of high-quality branded entertainment, sports, news and event programming.”
“This agreement is terrific for our customers because it contains rights for exciting HDTV and video on demand programming that we’re delivering at no additional charge. Comcast is at the forefront of delivering advanced entertainment services, and this contract provides Viacom’s compelling programming to further their appeal. I’d like to thank Mel and Sumner for Viacom’s leadership and their partnership with Comcast, and I’m pleased to have successfully concluded another major programming agreement this year,” Comcast president and CEO Brian L Roberts was quoted as saying in the release.
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.
