GECs
3 Sahara channels to launch on EchoStar in US
MUMBAI: Sahara will be taking its three channels overseas. First on the agenda is the US where it plans to be on the direct-to-home (DTH) platform of EchoStar, a source in the company said.
Hindi general entertainment channel Sahara One, news channel Sahara Samay and the proposed movie channel ‘Filmi’ will be available on EchoStar, the platform which also offers a range of Indian channels including SET, Max, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, B4U, Sun TV, KTV and Tara Muzik.
“We plan to take all these three channels this year,” the source said. The movie channel is planned for a September launch.
DirecTV, the other DTH platform in the US controlled by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, offers the Star channels (Star Plus, Star One, Star News and Vijay TV), ETV Gujarati, ETV Bangla, ETV Telugu and Aastha channel.
Sahara also plans to launch on the DTH platform in the UK. “Talks are on with BSkyB. But the UK launch will only be after we are available in the US,” the source said.
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.
