GECs
ETC eyes more international markets
MUMBAI: Europe, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore are next on the broadcasting calendar of ETC Networks for the current fiscal.
The company expects to add more revenue streams in 2002-03 following etc Punjabi’s entry into the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand markets. The channel, whose USP is live telecast of the Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is also likely to turn into a pay channel shortly, according to the company’s recently released annual report.
ETC Networks, following Zee Telefilms’ taking up a stake in the company earlier this year, showed a decline in total revenues – from Rs 476 million in 2000 -01 to Rs 311.6 million in 2001-02, following the termination of news shows and marketing of South Indian programmes. The decision to discontinue broadcast of news and marketing of regional shows was taken on the grounds that ‘they diluted channel branding, distracted audience attention, depressed TRPs and did not add value’, thus saving the company an estimated Rs 145 million.
The company’s programme library costs declined from Rs 50.1 million in 2000-01 to Rs 39 million in 2001-02 due to a stronger negotiating capability, says the report. ETC’s programme library currently forms 13.75 per cent of its current assets.
While Zee’s involvement in the areas of technology, marketing and distribution is expected to translate into deeper penetration and lower costs in the current fiscal, ETC itself has commissioned its studio and purchased programming equipment, in a bid to cut down on costs.
The switch from analog to digital made in August 2001 has led to savings of Rs 5.5 million per month, the report states. While employee costs declined from Rs 38.6 million to Rs 29.2 million from the previous year, programming and telecast costs also declined from 60 per cent of revenues in 2000-01 to 40 per cent in 2001-02.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
