GECs
MTV India head Alex Kuruvilla quits
MUMBAI: In a development that has taken many within the cult music franchise by surprise, MTV Networks Asia executive vice-president and MTV India managing director Alex Kuruvilla has resigned, it was internally announced today.
The announcement was made by Frank Brown, president of MTV Networks Asia Pacific, during the company’s weekly Friday “town hall” meeting. Kuruvilla’s last official working day at MTV will be 30 June.
It is not clear at this point of time where exactly he is headed.
Meanwhile, a company statement issued a short while after Indiantelevision.com broke the news of Kuruvilla’s departure said a replacement would be announced shortly.
Says Kuruvilla, “What a ride! Ive had the opportunity to be part of it all during my time here from launching exciting new channels, to bringing reality television to India and changing the idea of what a music channel is expected to be. Im especially proud of MTVs undisputed leadership position in the Indian entertainment scenario, the impact its had on Indian youth in the country and our pro-social work, particularly in the area of HIV / AIDS. I will miss Team MTVN.
Brown lauded Kuruvilla contribution to the network’s development in India, saying, “Were very sorry to see Alex go. Hes been with this company through challenging as well as triumphant times and has had a major role in making MTV Networks India the powerhouse of talent and ideas that it is today. However, Alex will continue to work with us on a few business projects for some time to come.”
It was during his term that Viacom kids channel Nickelodeon, which was later christened for Indian Kids as Nick, and the international music and lifestyle channel Vh1, which was brought to India in 2004, marked their entry.
An advertising professional with a passion for music and entertainment, Kuruvilla joined the company in 1999 from the erstwhile Hindustan Thompson Associates (now JWT).
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.
