GECs
FBC Group inks deal with Bunim-Murray for format shows in India, Italy, UK
MUMBAI: International television and media group FBC has entered into a strategic partnership with US independent producer Bunim-Murray Productions enabling exploitation of both entities formats.
The accord also includes a co-production and distribution deal where FBCs Indian television and media subsidiary – FBC India, will co-produce Bunim-Murrays formats in India. On the other hand, FBCs local productions arms in the UK and Italy will co-produce the formats for the British and Italian markets.
The initial phase of this deal will also include plans to localise the hit reality show The Scholar for Hindi-language broadcast in India.
In addition, Diverse, FBCs London-based format and production subsidiary, will co-produce its formats in the United States with Bunim-Murray.
Under the terms of the agreement the two companies will be exploring potential co-productions in the Indian, British and Italian markets based in successful Bunim-Murray formats and hit series, as well as co-productions in the US of original formats produced by Diverse.
The Scholar (which premiered in ABC Television Network in the US) is the first show ever to celebrate higher education as the ultimate prize. The opportunity of a lifetime comes true for one among the best and brightest high school students in this original Bunim-Murray series that sends the winner to a top-rated university, all expenses paid.
FBC India Pvt executive director Samir Gupta said, “We are extremely pleased to be partners of a production entity such as Bunim-Murray known for the extraordinary television and filmed entertainment it has produced over the years. I am sure both our companies will benefit from the partnership. The buzz around reality shows in India is amazing and I am convinced that Bunim-Murrays hit reality shows will meet the aspirational needs of young Indians.”
Bunim-Murray Productions CEO Joey Carson said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with a worldwide leader like FBC. This relationship will capitalise on both companies strongholds to develop cutting-edge programming and allow for a broader reach with our existing formats.”
FBC India is FBCs Indian television and media subsidiary with operations in Mumbai and New Delhi. It has to its credit Lakme Fashion House, a local Hindi-language adaptation of FBCs original reality format Fashion House. Lakme Fashion House was broadcast on Star One.
Bunim-Murray Productions has created shows such as The Real World (MTV), Road Rules (MTV), The Simple Life (Fox) and Starting Over (syndicated).
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.
