GECs
MGM launches second Korean channel
LOS ANGELES: MGM Networks has announced that it has signed a distribution agreement for the MGM Plus channel. This is a second branded network which will be carried on South Korea’s Skylife DTH satellite service.
In India the broadcaster has a JV with Zee. MGM Plus will complement the existing MGM Channel with a different mix of programming from MGM’s storied film library and select local Korean productions. An official release informs that both networks will be carried on Skylife, the country’s first direct-to-home satellite TV service. Skylife will air the MGM networks 24*7 in Korean.
MGM Networks’ executive VP Bruce Tuchman said, “Since the launch of our first Korean channel last year, we have seen impressive subscriber growth and developed a strong connection with viewers. In launching a second localised channel in South Korea, we will build on those accomplishments. We’re particularly excited about our progress so far because MGM has earmarked Asia as a key growth region.”
The launch of a second South Korean channel is the latest of several recent MGM Networks announcements, including the MGM Channel’s Hong Kong launch and a strategic alliance with CNBC Asia Pacific. MGM Networks has been expanding quickly worldwide, its channel interests more than quadrupling the past two years to about 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.
