GECs
MTV Networks joins hand with Midway Games
MUMBAI: Finding innovative ways to integrate interactive entertainment, media and programming, MTV Networks has entered into strategic relationship with Chicago based Midway Games to jointly sell in-game advertising and collaborate on soundtrack development for three upcoming games.
Under the deal, MTV is able to participate in a royalty sharing structure.
The first title under this deal — the arcade racing video game L A Rush will feature MTV Branding throughout the game world with the crew from the hit MTV show, Pimp My Ride, as part of innovative marketing alliance, informs a media release.
The other two games under this deal will be announced at a later date.
Viacom Inc chairman and CEO Summer M. Redstone, who owns a majority of the voting shares of both MTV and Midway, said, “I am delighted that Midway is the first to enter into this exciting new business model, which harnesses the power of MTV’s brands, intellectual property and promotional engine to Midway’s top-rated games development and publishing abilities.”
He also adds “And I am also delighted to report that the independent special committee of Viacom’s board, which oversees relationships between Viacom and Midway recommended board approval, and that this recommendation was accepted by the full Viacom board.”
“By combining forces with MTV, we ensure that great titles like LA Rush, which are targeted to passionate gamers, get the maximum amount of exposure,” said Midway president and CEO David Zucker.
Zucker also add that MTV is a key partner in terms of overall marketing reach; their programming truly defines pop culture worldwide.
“Gaming is an essential part of the every day lives of our audience and MTV is where game publishers turn to launch their biggest titles. This unique alliance with Midway allows us to move beyond a traditional advertising relationship and become true partners in the success of these titles. We will integrate our expertise in music, television, and online media to help one of the video game industry’s top publishers deliver exciting, new, culturally resonant games,” states MTV Networks Music and Logo Enterprise Group executive vice president Jeff Yapp.
Midway Games is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for major video game systems.
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.
