GECs
MTV, Nick expand localisation initiatives in China
MUMBAI: Viacom chairman and CEO Sumner Redstone has announced several initiatives for its businesses in China for MTV and Nickelodeon.
These include a partnership with Beijing Television (BTV) for music and entertainment content production.
Tripling distribution in the Guangdong Province by year-end, MTV China will extend its reach to nearly 10 million TV households across China. It is launching its first locally produced HIV/Aids prevention campaign.
Meanwhile CCTV has agreed to extend an agreement for Nickelodeon programming for its first dedicated children’s channel.
Viacom’s alliance with BTV will produce Chinese language music and entertainment programming. These will be distributed to BTV’s channels, as well as to other channels across China and around the world.
This deal follows the company’s announcement in March of China’s first production joint venture through Shanghai Media Group (SMG), to create Chinese language kids programming for distribution in China and abroad. The Viacom/SMG JV has since moved forward on developing its first productions, and expects the programming to launch early next year.
As part of Viacom’s global commitment to fighting HIV/Aids, MTV China has rolled out its first locally produced awareness and prevention campaign over the past month with a public service announcement (PSA) Ninja: The Enduring Master . It also launched a Mandarin language version of MTV International’s HIV/Aids information Web site, www.staying-alive.org.
The Ninja spot has aired on MTV China, as well as on its syndicated programming blocks, which reach 117 million cable and terrestrial TV households across China. CCTV has extended its deal with Nick following the success of CatDog and The Wild Thornberrys..
Nielsen data indicates that the shows managed to get an average share of 5.6 and 5.3 for the Kids 4-9 age group. In addition, discussions are underway for agreements between the two companies, including CCTV-produced kids content to air on Nickelodeon channels outside of China and further Nickelodeon programming and licensing deals for CCTV’s kids channel.
Redstone added, “Our announcements highlight Viacom’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Chinese culture around the world. China’s rich and vibrant creativity is under-exposed outside of China, Viacom sees significant opportunities for facilitating cultural exchange between China and other countries around the world particularly in the US.”
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.
