GECs
Old shows new highs as Sony PAL tops FTA charts with 109 million viewers
MUMBAI: Who says old favourites can’t cause new waves? Sony PAL, the Free-to-Air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), is proving that prime-time nostalgia can power modern ratings. The channel has clocked a sharp surge in viewership, becoming the fastest-growing FTA GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), and is now the undisputed leader in reach and resonance.
According to BARC (Week 19, 2025), Sony PAL now reaches 109 million viewers that’s 17 per cent weekly reach, the highest among FTA Hindi GECs. And it’s not just mass appeal the channel’s got serious metro cred too. Among urban Hindi-speaking audiences aged 15 plus, Sony PAL pulled in a robust 41 GRPs, outperforming FTA peers. Even more striking? Urban male viewers gave it 63 GRPs, confirming that Sony PAL isn’t just a family favourite, it’s also prime time for the bros.
What’s fuelling this FTA frenzy? Familiar faces and full-fat entertainment. Iconic shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show have migrated to free-to-air for the first time, a strategic play that’s expanded their fan base and made quality content accessible without a paywall.
By combining smart content curation with a no-subscription model, Sony PAL has tapped into India’s deep appetite for nostalgic, family-friendly storytelling all while scooping up serious ratings gold.
In a landscape where eyeballs are fickle and attention spans fleeting, Sony PAL has managed to hit the sweet spot comfort viewing with mass reach, delivered for free. Now that’s what you call a PAL for the people.
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.
