GECs
Major Indian channels removed from Chitram TV app
NEW DELHI: In a major break-through sending a strong message to organised pirates of content in the digital space, certain members of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) have succeeded in their efforts to remove their channels from the recently launched android and iOS applications of Chitram TV on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Chitram TV is an IPTV/OTT service provider, which has been illegally broadcasting the signals of the Indian origin channels: MSM (Sony), Zee, Star, Viacom18 and certain other regional Indian television networks, which are members of IBF for quite some time. Recently, Chitram TV launched its mobile application on android and iOS devices in an attempt to widen its distribution and reach. The broadcasters took up the issue of Chitram’s illegal broadcast and Apple and Google have now removed the app from their iOS and Android platforms. This is a major victory for the members of IBF in their fight against online piracy, according to an IBF spokesperson.
Indian broadcasters, who have joined hands to collectively fight digital piracy, are considering initiating legal proceedings against Chitram TV and other pirate platforms in multiple jurisdictions outside. None of the members of IBF (viz. MSM (Sony), Zee, Star and Viacom18) has authorised Chitram TV to carry their channels on any media platform let alone digital.
IBF said it understands that Chitram TV continues to distribute the Indian channels via IPTV/OTT particularly outside India. IBF members have buckled up to fight the pirates like Chitram TV to preserve the integrity of their channels and content.
With the rapid advent of technology enabling the dissemination of content across digital platforms, there are enormous revenue opportunities for broadcasters and other content owners. The Indian channels, which are available in more than 100 countries around the world, are extremely popular amongst the South Asian diaspora.
All of these channels have launched their own digital platforms and mobile apps but piracy has been a major stumbling block in revenue monetisation. Isolated efforts of the broadcasters could have achieved little. Now that the Indian broadcasters stand united, their efforts will provide a greater impetus in the global effort to combat digital piracy.
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.
