GECs
MGM to launch on Hong Kong Pay-TV service
LOS ANGELES : MGM Networks has announced that it has signed a distribution agreement for an MGM-branded movie network in Hong Kong. The MGM Channel will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and feature English- language movies with Mandarin-language subtitles.
In India, MGM has a 50:50 JV with Zee. An official release informs that the MGM Channel will premiere in Hong Kong later this year as part of NOW Broadband TV. This is the pay-TV platform announced by PCCW the Hong Kong-listed flagship of the Pacific Century Group, one of Asia3’s leading integrated communications companies.
The PCCW carriage deal follows MGM Networks’ strategic alliance with CNBC Asia Pacific, which was announced last month.
MGM Networks’ executive VP Bruce Tuchman said:”Our deal with PCCW further confirms the high value distributors around the world place on our celebrated brand and unrivaled content library. Coming so soon after the announcement of our strategic alliance with CNBC Asia Pacific, this agreement demonstrates our determination to bring new subscribers to MGM Networks and more widely expand our presence across Asia and the Pacific region.”
The release adds that the PCCW deal is the latest in MGM Networks’ global expansion drive, which over the last two years has increased the company’s channel interests more than fourfold to about 100 countries on five continents.
The MGM Channel in Hong Kong, as with other branded MGM channels, relies on MGM’s library for its content.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
