GECs
Mumbai cable ops present memo to Star, Sony
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cable Operators’ Federation (MCOF) is getting active, following the announcement of its formation in the city on 13 February. (see Mumbai’s small cable ops raise cudgels against MSOs, pay channels).
A delegation consisting of 60 members of the MCOF visited Star India and Sony Entertainment offices in Mumbai and handed over a memorandum on the afternoon of Valentine’s Day. And no, it wasn’t a love letter, rather it was a note stating a charter of their demands, which they had disclosed to the media on 13 February. Topping this list are: broadcasters should deal with the small cable ops, and carriage fees charged by the various broadcasting networks should be chopped to “affordable levels.”
The members of the MCOF who visited the broadcasters’ offices today stated that Star India officials accepted the memorandum and assured the delegation that their legal team would look into the various aspects and revert to the MCOF.
A spokesperson for Star India confirmed the visit by the MCOF, adding that the network had already reduced rates for its bouquet by 25 per cent in the interests of the consumer. “In fact, we have already been in discussions with cable operators most of whom have signed on to our new package,” he said.
The MCOF also obtained an assurance from Sony officials who stated that the issue would only be sorted out next week as the senior Sony TV officials were abroad currently.
The MCOF members had taken a stand that they would individually switch of the pay channels on their networks as they were charging exorbitant rates. But then they decided it against it, choosing to instead wait until the ICC World Cup ended since they didn’t want viewers to suffer.
However, the MCOF, changed its stand on 14 February saying that its members wouldn’t wait till 23 March 2003 (the last day of the ICC World Cup 2003). They are planning to initiate the boycott as soon as possible and switch off the signals of the pay channels.
This followed the warning that local politician, the BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, had issued to cable operators that he would take action against all those individuals who charge consumers more than Rs 150 per month. Somaiya has called for a press conference on 15 February 2003 to clarify matters about his stand on the issue of overcharging consumers.
An afternoon vernacular daily had also quoted Somaiya as saying that he would target the pay channels in addition to the cable operators. Somaiya’s office declined to offer any more information saying that he would address the media on 15 February 2003.
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.
