GECs
Asianet greets New Year with variety entertainment
MUMBAI: Malayalam general entertainment channel Asianet is greeting the New Year on 14 April with a variety of special programmes, in addition to its regular shows. The channel has lined up blockbusters and celebrity interviews along with film-based shows and musical programmes.
Asianet greets Malayalai on Vishu day with special show Vishukkazcha at 6:00 am followed by a special vishu musical programme Kani Kanum Neram at 6:30 am. At 7 am, popular lyricist Gireesh Puthanjery will be featured in the live breakfast show. At 8:35 am, Asianet presents vishu day preditions.
At 9 am, the channel will telecast Mohanlal starrer Onnaman followed by a special programme Vishukkalam, packaged with Asianet serial stars’ vishu celebrations and the location news. At 1:30 pm, the channel will premiere Magic Magic. Tamil actor Vijay is presented in a special interview show Close Look at 3:30 pm, followed by Vishu special Vaalkkannadi at 4 pm.
At 5 pm, the channel will air Ganasamasya, a musical show, presented by popular playback singer Unni Menon. At 5:30 pm, Asianet will telecast blockbuster movie Nandanam. A special show on Vishu movies released in Malayalam will be telecast at 10 pm. The channel will air a special vishu show on Gulf Malayalees at 11:05 pm, followed by another movie Vinayapoorvam Vidhyadaran at 11:30 pm.
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.
