GECs
Endemol, KPN ink JV for cross-media exploitation of TV content
MUMBAI: Endemol Nederland BV and the Dutch telecommunications company KPN signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) for the establishment of a joint venture. The purpose of the joint venture is the exploitation of Endemol content through all KPN platforms in the Dutch market.
The deal covers a number of digital theme channels for KPN TV and access to Endemol content in the form of ‘video-on-demand’ both via the internet and mobile telephone. In addition to exclusive content for the joint venture, the content will also be distributed via third parties.
The joint venture will have access to the Endemol library, including both national and international formats with strong titles, such as Medisch Centrum West, The Mounties, Mini Playback Show, De Fabriek , Tien voor Taal, etc.
In addition to existing material, the joint venture will also produce new programming material based on the point of departure that the material will be suitable for distribution via all available platforms. Furthermore, the joint venture will develop new forms of advertising.
KPN TV and media business unit director Ludolf Rasterhoff said, “This is a major step forward in the new way of watching television. By taking this step KPN is able to secure unique, high-quality Endemol content for all its platforms. With the new form of production we will be able to supply all KPN platforms, such as TV, mobile telephones and the Internet with specific content.”
Endemol Nederland commercial director Dick van der Graaf said, “We are looking forward to having KPN as our partner in this joint venture. We are enthusiastic about KPN’s strategy and ambitions with respect to digital television. The unique aspect of KPN is the fact that, in addition to its national domestic distribution network, it is also able to access the consumer out of doors.”
In 2004, KPN also started offering television in the Netherlands as part of its multi-play services. KPN and Endemol are currently conducting talks with other partners who have also shown an interest in the joint venture.
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.
