GECs
Current TV aims to let viewers create programmes
MUMBAI: It’s as current as they come. Former US vice-president today launched Current TV, a 24 hour channel, under his Generation Investment Management umbrella in the US. He launched the channel in partnership with US Attorney Joel Hyatt.
At start up it has carriage on DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Comcast – a potential audience of 20 million homes. Its USP: its schedule will have content in the form of pods or clips created by lay consumers and contributed over the internet. The bite-sized video clips will be no more than seven to 10 minutes long and viewers will be able to vote for their favorite amateur video online. The topics which will be covered include: jobs, technology, spirituality and current events. An Internet-like on-screen progress bar will show the clip’s length.
Gore has also tieup up with Google allowing itself to be updated each half-hour on topics that people are searching for on the web. The target audience: 18-34 year olds.
Gore told a US publication: “Until now, the notion of viewer participation has been limited to sending a tape to Americas Funniest Home Videos, calling an interview show, taking part in an instant poll, or voting someone off an island. Were creating a powerful new brand of television that doesnt treat audiences as merely viewers, but as collaborators.
He had earlier taken over a US network called the Newsworld International channel, and repackaged it as Current TV.
While there are some doubting Thomases about the success of the Current TV, considering that Video Blogs, Blogs offer the same service online, Gore says he is confident that the channel will work. For that to happen, Current TV will have to become the currency among audiences.
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.
