GECs
Viacom will strengthen CBS television unit
From January Viacom will integrate the UPN and CBS Broadcast Networks under CBS Television Unit. CBS Television also includes Viacom’s 34 stations; CBS Entertainment, CBS News, CBS Sports; and the network’s distribution unit, CBS Enterprises.
Viacom is a leading global media company. It’s well-known brands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and c.
Viacom’s president and chief operating officer Mel Karmazin said: “Today’s announcement is the culmination of a process that began with the merger of Viacom and CBS. With sole ownership and key long-term affiliation agreements in place, and with 2001 upfront and season launches that resulted in higher revenues and ratings, there is no better time to bring UPN together with CBS, which is also enjoying one of the best years in its history.”
UPN premiered on 16 January 1995 as a two-night network in 96 markets. Today, UPN broadcasts programming on five nights, with 84 per cent primary coverage. Viacom is looking to cut costs by streamlining and bringing new efficiencies to the broadcast business. At the same time CBS and UPN will continue to be broadcast free, over-the-air .
UPN has managed to assemble a strong and geographically diverse group of affiliates. The company also created a successful lineup with bold programming development and acquisitions. Thus a distinct network identity was built. UPN claims that ratings are up on four out of five nights and the key building blocks for continued success are in place. UPN is confident of building on this strength through the efficiencies and additional resources available under the CBS umbrella.
Through this initiative the CBS Television group believes that it can increase advertising sales while building on its track record of bringing distinctive and successful programming to the screen.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
