GECs
Barry Jossen promoted to Touchstone Television EVP production
MUMBAI: Barry Jossen has been promoted to executive vice president, production, Touchstone Television, it was announced today by Mark Pedowitz, president, Touchstone Television, to whom he reports.
Jossen will continue to oversee production of all Touchstone Television’s original programming, including series, pilots, late-night, variety, made-for-television movies and miniseries.
In announcing Jossen’s promotion, Mark Pedowitz said: “Barry’s singularly focused goal is to make great television. Without a doubt, he has unequalled production expertise and a respect for the business side of creativity. But it is his creative instinct and innovative approach to production management that has ensured Touchstone’s position as a sought-after studio for talent. That is what warranted this promotion.”
Jossen was heavily involved in the studio’s expansion into basic cable production, having supervised the highly-acclaimed “Playmakers” for ESPN in 2004. This year his team oversaw production of “Tilt” for ESPN, and presently has several pilots and series in pre-production for ABC Family and Lifetime.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
