GECs
GRB Entertainment creates GRB Worldwide, appoints Gavin Reardon president
MUMBAI: Non-fiction reality producers GRB Entertainment (“Growing up Gotti”, “Intervention”, “Invasion Iowa”), has announced it will be spinning off its existing international distribution division and transforming it into an entirely new venture to be known as GRB Worldwide.
This new entity, which will officially launch at this year’s MIP, will focus on the financing, creation, and acquisition of both fiction and non-fiction programming for global distribution. The company will be headed by Gavin Reardon, who has been promoted to president of GRB Worldwide from his current position as senior vice-president, international distribution, for GRB Entertainment, a post he has held for the past five years.
Reardon will report to Gary Benz, president and CEO of GRB Entertainment and will continue to be based in Los Angeles. The announcement was made yesterday by Benz.
While GRB Entertainment currently specializes in reality, docu-drama, and docu-soap programming, GRB Worldwide will concentrate its efforts on expansion into other genres of both non-fiction and fiction programming domestically and internationally. In addition, Reardon plans to work closely with outside producers developing strategic co-production and acquisition partnerships.
Given GRB Worldwide’s aggressive stance, they expect to deliver 60 hours of fiction programming, from television series to telefilms, by the end of the first year.
“With eight series on the air and several pilots in production for U.S. broadcasters through GRB Entertainment, we have decided to create and launch GRB Worldwide to better serve the global marketplace and to take advantage of opportunities for fiction programming,” commented Benz.
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.
