GECs
Sony’s operating income rises by 68 per cent
MUMBAI: Japanese media and electronics major Sony has announced its financial results for the year ended 31 March, 2006.
Net income fell 24.5 per cent to $1.06 billion, while revenues were up 4.4 percent to $63.9 billion and operating income jumped by 68 per cent to $1.64 billion.
Investment gains and the good performance of flat television sets were responsible for the good operating income results. But, start-up costs for the PlayStation 3 will affect the game division and push it deep into the red.
At the gaming division, revenues were up 31.4 percent to $8.2 billion, but operating income fell by 80 per cent to $75 million
At Sony Pictures Entertainment, revenues were up just 1.7 per cent to $6.4 billion, while operating income dropped 57.1 per cent to $234 million. The company attributed the slump to lower worldwide theatrical and home entertainment revenues on feature films, which partially offset an increase in television product revenues.
The increase in television revenues is due to higher advertising and subscription sales from several of SPE’s international channels, higher sales of television library product and the extension of a licensing agreement for Wheel of Fortune.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
