GECs
Bhutan’s BBS TV expands operations
MUMBAI: The Bhutan government has expanded the reach of its BBS Television by linking it to Insat 4A. The service is now provided through the cable service and those without cable connections can download the transmission with a dish and a receiver.
The International Telecommunication Union has aided the uplinking facility with US $ 300,000, while the Government of India has agreed to give BBSC the satellite transport hiring charges for three years, amounting to about Nu. 18 million. According to media reports, a total of 35 countries in Asia and the Middle East have confirmed that they are receiving BBS TV live transmission.
Speaking at the launch, BBSC MD Mingbo Dukpa expressed his hopes that the channel expansion would effectively fight the foreign TV channel invasion. “Today there are over 40 foreign channels available, inundating us with numerous foreign programmes, advertisement and news. With its nation-wide reach BBS TV can now counter the so-called audio-visual invasion by foreign channels,” he said.
Viewers in Kanglung and Yonphula in Trashigang, Yadi and Drametse in Mongar, Paro, Phuentsholing and Thimphu will also be able to catch the transmission on Yagi antenna through a terrestrial transmitter. BBSC, reportedly, plans to reinstall these terrestrial transmitters in remote areas that do not have cable television.
BBS television was launched on 2 June 1999, with a one-hour broadcast in Thimphu. It was merged with the radio in the initial phase.
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.
