GECs
MTV Networks to launch Tempo; Caribbean music channel
MUMBAI: MTV Networks is all set to launch a dedicated television channel to Caribbean music and culture. The channel will make its’ debut in October, this year. While in the launch of the dedicated Caribbean music channel in North America is slated for next year. The channel has been named Tempo.
The new channel will provide a mix of original and acquired programming that is vibrant, relevant to its audience and true to the spirit of the Caribbean and its culture. The MTV Networks has inked its distribution deal with Innovative Cable TV and additional distributors that will be announced in the coming months, informs a press release.
MTV Networks Chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said, “MTV Networks is committed to identifying underserved communities and creating the most innovative, exciting and authentic channels for them, and with them. Tempo will be built around music, and be dedicated to all things Caribbean: music, food, travel, sports, culture and more.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with industry leaders Innovative Cable TV and Cable & Wireless and with the Caribbean Tourism Organization to unveil Tempo during Caribbean Week 2005,” said MTV Networks Music Group president Van Toffler
Innovative Cable TV president and general manager Jennifer Matarangas-King express, “Tempo is the answer to a longstanding need and opportunity in the cable landscape. It is a real pleasure to bring our customers a channel we know they want, and are sure they will enjoy.”
MTV has also struck a deal with Cable & Wireless in a three year agreement which sees Cable & Wireless’ customers access to exclusive Tempo ringtones and wallpaper.
“Tempo provides us with a unique and powerful opportunity to reach our consumers throughout the Caribbean, and we are both excited and proud to be the charter sponsor of the latest cutting-edge channel from MTV Networks,” said Cable & Wireless, Caribbean region senior vice president corportate marketing Rachelle Franklin.
Tempo joins Viacom’s roster of popular and highly-targeted cable networks which includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET and Spike TV.
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.
