GECs
SET-Discovery in MG deal with SCV
MUMBAI: Sony-Discovery has struck an exclusive deal with Sun Network’s SCV for distribution of its bouquet of channels in Tamil Nadu.
SCV, the largest cable network in Tamil Nadu, will be paying a minimum guaranteed (MG) amount to SET-Discovery’s One Alliance. This will help One Alliance ramp up subscribers in a state which does not have consumer pull for Hindi content.
One Alliance has struck similar deals in Bangalore with Incablenet, Hathway Cable & Datacom in Hyderabad, and RPG Netcom in Kolkata. According to the agreement, the multi system operator (MSO) pays a MG to be the exclusive distributor of One Alliance in a particular territory. For One Alliance, collection of dues improve and there is scope to increase subscriber declarations in difficult markets.
Such MG deals between broadcasters and MSOs have increased ever since the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has maintained a freeze on subscription rates across the value chain. Star in particular has been an aggressive player in the northern region of the country while also cutting a deal with Hathway Cable & Datacom in Hyderabad.
Broadcasters select cable operators who are dominant players in a particular market. The practice of “minimum guarantee” deals is seen by small cable operators as a drive to create monopolies.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
