GECs
Irdeto to help ETV make the transition to pay
SINGAPORE: Irdeto, which works in the area of providing content security for digital TV, IPTV and mobile networks, has announced that ETV has chosen its digital TV solution to help protect ETV and ETV2 as they get converted from free-to-air to pay TV services.
ETV VP operations K. Bapineedu says, “ETV and ETV2 are known for providing the best of family entertainment and leading edge news, and thus, it was crucial that we protect this content with the most robust conditional access solution possible..
“Irdeto’s reputation as the proven leader in the industry with an unparalleled record of three generations of uncompromised smart cards in the market was key in our decision to go with their content security solution.”
Irdeto CEO Graham Kill said, “Leading broadcasters like ETV-Network realise that content security plays a key role in securing revenue. Irdeto offers a choice in proven content security solutions that support many different business models creating new business opportunities for content owners and network operators.”
Irdeto’s India country manager Rahul Nehra says, “We are committed to curtailing piracy on local and national levels. In order for ETV-Network to achieve a successful conversion from free-to-air to pay TV services, a tried and tested content protection solution was crucial. We are pleased to be selected by ETV-Network to protect two of its key local-language channels.”
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.
