GECs
Fox looks to control TV costs with new division
MUMBAI: This is an initiative that seeks to infuses fresh doses of energy and creativity into American television. Even as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) tries to sort out its issues with film and television producers Rupert Murdoch’s Fox has announced that it will create a new production arm Fox 21.
The boutique studio division launches early next month with the aim of controlling the escalating costs of TV production by rethinking the economics of making shows
Fox 21 will aim to service all the networks and not just its parent. Having said that the venture has already secured major programming pledges from its parent Fox Broadcasting Company and the FX cable network.
The division has set itself the aim of helping writers realise what it has termed as passion projects. Of course there are things that one could read into this including the fact that writers won’t worry too much about benefits and a higher salary if they are personally committed to making that particular script come alive.
Fox 21 is try to do for television what Miramax has done for film. By this what one means is taking on ideas that might be considered too personal or unconventional for the other television production houses while keeping a tight leash on finances.
Fox 21’s model is Murdoch’s independent film division Fox Searchlight. That company has made and distributed award winning films in the past which have also proved financially viable.
Jane Leisner will lead the division as senior VP. Leisner joined Fox’s drama department in 1997. She helped develop Judging Amy. In India the show is airing on Hallmark. She also shepherded Roswell which airs on Star World.
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.
