GECs
Bloomberg publishes guide to global media law
MUMBAI: In the Internet age, all media are global. However until recently there has been no definitive source explaining the risks of international libel law.
Bloomberg says that this need has been filled by Charles Glasser’s International Libel and Privacy Handbook. This offers a side-by-side comparison of laws and customs relating to libel and privacy in major countries worldwide.
Glasser says, “Media law around the world is a crazy patchwork quilt, with each square reflecting a nation’s cultural biases, political history, and economic structure. With headlines and stories flashed on desktops around the world at the speed of light. What is needed is a global approach requiring that reporters and editors review their practices and philosophy toward global newsgathering, and that they develop an understanding for the basic moral engine that drives each nation’s media laws.”
Bloomberg says that the International Libel and Privacy Handbook is aimed at anyone working in or with the media industry. Written in plain language and not “legalese,” the book offers a roadmap for navigating the complex web of libel and privacy laws, nation-by-nation. In the global media marketplace, it is sure to be an invaluable tool-not just for lawyers, but for journalists, corporate communicators, webmasters and bloggers.
Glasser offers special chapters on book publishing, Internet publishing, copyright issues, and the enforcement of foreign judgments, as well as a breakdown by country of legal explanations that answer such questions as:
* What is the definition of libel in China?
* May reporters in India tape-record their telephone conversations without the consent of the other party?
* In Italy, is a right of privacy recognised?
* In Hong Kong, what’s the law on disclosure of confidential sources?
* Do Internet publishers, including chat-room operators, have to meet special standards?
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.
