GECs
MTV Euro chief Simon Guild quits
MUMBAI: The latest in line of executive departures at MTVN, MTV Networks Europe president and CEO Simon Guild announced his decision to not renew his contract. Guild has put in over 14 years as a broadcaster of niche channels including Nickelodeon, MTV, and TMF.
“As my contract was up for renewal I decided it was time to look for something new,” Guild said in a statement to the press.
MTV Networks vice chairman Bill Roedy said, “Over the past 14 years, Simon has been instrumental in driving the growth of the company’s European business, which has become the region’s biggest portfolio of leading multimedia brands under his leadership.”
Guild also added that “I have had 14 great years at MTV Networks Europe and I am proud to have played a key role in developing the business, but I want to move on to new challenges.
“As my contract was expiring, it seemed like a logical time to make a change. I know that I am leaving the business in the hands of some extremely capable executives across Europe with whom I have enjoyed working enormously.
Over the next few weeks, I will work with them and the company’s leadership to ensure a smooth transition.”
During his time at MTV, Guild helped to establish a vision for developing MTV Networks’ major brands, such as MTV and Nickelodeon, and expanded them across consumer products, digital media, events and marketing partnerships.
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.
