GECs
Nat Geo Digital Media appoints content operations V-P
MUMBAI: Betsy Scolnik has joined National Geographic Digital Media as vice president of content operations. She reports to Digital Media President Chris McAndrews.
“The VP content operations role is designed to help Digital Media achieve success in emerging, fast-growth media markets through the effective and efficient utilization of National Geographic content,” said McAndrews. “Betsy will take a leadership position in content development efforts for the Nationalgeographic.com Web site and in Digital Media’s initiatives in the wireless, video game, broadband and education markets.”
Prior to joining National Geographic, Scolnik worked at AOL for four years. From 2003 she served as vice president and general manager entertainment for AOL Europe based at AOL’s U.S. and European operations in Dulles, Va., and London, England. Most recently, she was a key player in the development and execution of AOL’s highly successful “Live 8” series of concerts.
Previously, Scolnik worked for StarMedia network, then the largest Spanish- and Portuguese-language Internet media company, where she ran business development and programming for the StarMedia services across South America and Europe.
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.
