GECs
ITV inks deal with Mobile Interactive for 3G tech
MUMBAI: Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), the global multimedia mobile services specialist, announced a unique technical partnership to provide Europes largest broadcaster, ITV, with a full range of mobile interactive services on a preferred supplier basis across the UK and Ireland.
Mobile Interactive Group managing director Barry Houlihan said, “ITVs complete range of mobile services will be delivered and billed using MIGs purpose built premium SMS delivery platform. Voting for event led entertainment shows such as I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here will be handled by MIGs industry leading, high volume SMS voting application Votewinner.”
A full range of strategic services will also be provided, including consultancy on emerging mobile applications relevant for TV and production support to the development of new mobile concepts. This will enable ITV to target its viewers with pioneering mobile video and 3G applications. ITV will also be able to service its commercial partners wishing to develop mobile based revenue opportunities.
The partnership demonstrates a major commitment by ITV to making mobile a key interactive revenue stream, enabling ITV to capitalise on its leading position in interactive entertainment and further build on the huge success of shows like This Morning and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
MIGs purpose built technology has a proven pedigree, having delivered mass interactive mobile services for broadcasters and production companies in both Europe and Asia.
“ITV is emerging as a leader in participation based broadcasting. The partnership with MIG is testament to its commitment to delivering compelling programming which pushes the boundaries of audience participation through mobile interactivity,” Houlihan said.
“MIG has worked with broadcasters from across the globe to deliver interactive mobile services and welcomes the opportunity to deliver some mobile technology firsts with ITV during the coming months,” he added.
ITV Interactive head Jane Marshall said, “ITV will benefit from MIGs worldwide expertise to facilitate the launch of new mobile revenue streams and build on its previous successes in this space. With MIGs combined people, technology and approach, we are currently developing mobile services which will enable our viewers to interact like never before with our award winning roster of entertainment programmes.”
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.
