GECs
MTV will join the pay-TV clan; to be encrypted soon
Riding on the success of it’s music channel, MTV has decided that it is the time when it can exploit its potential as a strong brand an take the pay-TV route.
Speaking to The Economic Times, MTV Networks Asia president Frank Brown announced that the channel will be encrypted at the ‘right opportunity’.
The decision to go from free-to-air channel to pay-TV is fueled by the findings of a recent study conducted by MTV to judge its performance throughout the various countries it is aired. India was the fourth in terms of growth of the channel next only to MTV strongholds Brazil, the US and Italy. Even in terms of revenue earnings in Asia, India was somewhere on the top of its list.
Also, close on the heels of launching MTV clothing and other branded merchandise in India, MTV will be taking the air waves by storm and will enter the radio broadcasting business. This would mean that music aficionados can tune into the FM radio channel and listen to their favourite music from MTV. This is part of MTV’s strategy to become a 360 degree brand and extend the brand in other possible youth products.
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.
