GECs
Casbaa appoints new V-P John Medeiros
MUMBAI: The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) has appointed John Medeiros as vice president for government relations and regulatory affairs.
Medeiros will be responsible for oversight of the association’s anti-piracy and regulatory activities across an Asia Pacific footprint covering 14 markets. He reports to Casbaa chief executive officer Simon Twiston Davies.
This new post is part of a significant expansion of the Association’s campaigns to counter piracy of pay-TV broadcasts and to advocate modern regulatory practices for the broadcasting industry, states an official release.
Medeiros joins Casbaa following an extensive career with the US government, most recently as deputy chief of Mission at the US embassy in Singapore and deputy US consul general in Hong Kong. With a dozen years experience in Asia, Medeiros’ responsibilities have included assisting media and telecommunications companies to overcome regulatory and anti-competitive barriers, such as piracy.
“The appointment of such an experienced executive as John Medeiros as our V-P for government relations and regulatory affairs further highlights Casbaa’s commitment to representing the pay-TV industry’s interests at the highest level possible. John’s experience in Asia made him the best possible candidate for this new Casbaa role,” said chairman Marcel Fenez.
“Given the range of underlying regulatory, market access and copyright issues faced by our member companies in jurisdictions such as Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea and India, this appointment is a significant step for the industry and the association.”
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
