GECs
Anthony Dale is FCC acting MD
MUMBAI: US media regulatory body Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Kevin J. Martin has named Anthony Dale as FCC acting MD and Mark Stephens as acting CFO.
Dale has been with the FCC for almost 10 years working on a broad range of management and policy roles. Most recently, Dale served as acting deputy M D in the commission’s office of MD. Dale also served as interim director of the Commission’s Office of Legislative Affairs.
He served in management positions in the Wireline Competition Bureau where he also served as special advisor for homeland security, the International Bureau, the Enforcement Bureau, and the Common Carrier Bureau. In these roles, Mr. Dale supervised a variety of issues, including Universal Service Fund policy and management issues, budget presentation and execution, financial reporting and compliance, audits and investigations, mergers and competition policy, homeland security matters, and various proceedings addressing telecommunications issues.
Stephens has over two decades experience in financial management, auditing, and accounting in both the public and the private sectors. Most recently, Stephens served as acting deputy CFO in the commission’s office of MD. In that capacity, he managed the commission’s financial reporting and compliance, oversaw preparation and implementation of the Commission’s budget, and provided advice on financial management and accounting matters.
Stephens also served as special advisor for Universal Service Fund Oversight in the Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau, where he worked to strengthen the FCC’s safeguards against potential waste, fraud, and abuse. Stephens also worked as a senior audit manager and systems accountant in the Wireline Competition Bureau (including the former Common Carrier Bureau) and the Enforcement Bureau.
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.
