GECs
BBC could face investigation from UK’s Office of Fair Trading
MUMBAI: The BBC could face an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) if it does not scale back its commercial activities.
Media reports indicate that the OFT has written to the BBC warning that such profit-making activities could be uniquely damaging to effective competition. It said this raised the additional issue of whether the BBC should be engaged in such activities at all.
As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com BBC Worldwide which the broadcatsers commercial arm made a profit of 55 million pounds. OFT’s letter argues that the BBC’s main argument in defence of Worldwide and its other commercial activities – that they raise money for the broadcaster and by extension the licence fee payer cannot be a sufficient justification.
The OFT has also expressed concern over the independence of the so-called BBC Trust, proposed by the Government in its Green Paper earlier this year to replace the board of governors as the broadcaster’s self-regulatory body. The watchdog is in favour of creating an independent regulator for the BBC. A report in UK publicatiobn the Independent states that the unprecedented criticism from the competition watchdog – which has the power to refer the case to the Competition Commission – will put further pressure on the UK Government to force the BBC to sell off parts of BBC Worldwide.
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.
