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WarnerMedia chooses AsiaSat as strategic partner for HD channels distribution in Asia Pacific
MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Asia’s leading satellite operator has been selected by WarnerMedia as a strategic partner for distributing regional HD services of CNN International, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Warner TV, as well as HBO HD in South Asia, via AsiaSat 7 in the Asia-Pacific.
AsiaSat has been distributing a total of five WarnerMedia SD channels on AsiaSat 7 (previously on AsiaSat 3S) since 1999. Since transmission, these channels have gained access to hundreds of rebroadcast networks and hotel networks across the region.
To allow a smooth migration to HD service for its rebroadcast affiliates including pay TV platforms and hotel networks across Asia Pacific, and for audiences to enjoy a more compelling viewing experience, WarnerMedia will migrate its HD services and consolidate them into its existing SD platform on AsiaSat 7.
“The migration allows us to upgrade and streamline our services at the same time. Working together with AsiaSat, the new arrangement also allows us to offer our regional broadcast partners the chance for their viewers to enjoy our channels in HD,” said James Crossland, Senior Vice President of International Operations for Turner, a WarnerMedia company.
From September, AsiaSat 7 will carry a total of eight HD and three SD channels of content from news, entertainment, to children, movies and drama. With migration of service to HD completed in the next few months, viewers across the region will be able to enjoy high-quality TV benefiting from the high penetration of AsiaSat 7 at 105.5°E, the world’s most watched orbital slot.
“The media brands under WarnerMedia are some of the world’s most famous and most popular broadcast networks. We are very proud of our long-time partnership with WarnerMedia, which is one of the most valuable assets we have built over time. We look forward to continuing to support WarnerMedia in their service migration to HD on our high performance AsiaSat 7, and through our leading-edge broadcast solutions to serve audiences with ever better TV viewing experience,” said Ina Lui, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Business Development & Strategy of AsiaSat.
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.
