GECs
MGM Channel launches in Indonesia
MUMBAI: MGM Networks, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has signed a distribution agreement covering an MGM-branded, movie-driven network in Indonesia.
Under the agreement, the MGM Channel is being delivered to subscribers via the basic tier of Indonesia’s Pay-TV operator, Kabelvision (PT Broadband Multimedia Tbk). In India, MGM has a 50:50 JV with Zee for the English movie channel Zee MGM. The Kabelvision deal follows several other recent agreements by MGM Networks in Asia. These include a strategic alliance with CNBC Asia Pacific to produce and distribute the MGM Channel in the Greater China market and Southeast Asia. In addition, the channel also launched on PCCW’s Now Broadband TV platform in Hong Kong.
Separately, MGM launched its second MGM-branded channel in South Korea earlier this year. In October, the MGM Channel also launched on systems in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland, which brings to a dozen the European countries where it can be seen.
The Kabelvision agreement is the latest step in MGM Networks’ global expansion, which over the last two years has increased its channel interests fourfold to more than 100 countries on six continents.
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.
