GECs
Michael Jackson’s parents speak out on Star World
MUMBAI: Michael Jackson’s trial will kick off any moment and just before his trial, his parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson are holding out hope and holding their breath. The American viewers have already heard their side of the story. And now, Star World will be airing their interview in India on 17 February at 9 pm.
Jackson, whose straight No 1 singles and flashy dance moves made him the King of Pop music, has been dogged for more than a decade by rumors of inappropriate behavior with children. The 46-year-old singer comes face to face with these accusations once again, this time in a California court as the child molestation trial begins.
If convicted with charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy in February and March 2003, Jackson faces years in prison. Yet the seriousness of the charges sharply contrasts with the spectacle outside the courtroom. And like other high-profile celebrity trials, questions of fairness, fame and public opinion are intertwined with the question of guilt or innocence.
Jackson finds himself center stage in a drama nobody would ever want a part in and no parent would ever want to watch. It’s been a terrible time for the Jacksons since they first heard the charges against their son read out in court.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
