GECs
New Zealand’s TV industry looks to the future
MUMBAI: As New Zealand celebrated 45 years of television broadcasting, industry leaders in the country met in Auckland a few days ago.
The forum was an opportunity to develop a collective response to the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
New Zealand Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said, “Public television broadcasting is thriving in New Zealand alongside a successful commercial industry. The challenge now is how our relatively small industry can continue to grow and move forward amidst a period of unprecedented change.
Maharey said that changes in technology and audience behaviour were among the big challenges facing the television industry.
“New technologies, growth in the number of channels and alternatives like the Internet and DVDs are placing new pressures on both public and private broadcasters.”
“From just two channels in 1998 we now have six national free-to-air channels, substantial pay TV offering and our independent regional broadcasters. New Zealanders are enjoying our local product and calling for more. While much has been achieved in the last five years, the challenges facing the industry are probably the biggest it has ever faced. I urge all participants to think hard about the challenges for the sector and to work together to ensure we continue to build a strong and dynamic broadcasting industry,” he said.
“We are at a point at which much of what television is contributing to the lives of New Zealanders could slip away. We need to think ahead about how to preserve what makes us distinctive; how to invest wisely in a context of unpredictability and change; and how to foster New Zealanders interest in seeking out local content from among a growing abundance of international fare.”
The key issue that was discussed at the forum was how local content could continue to be appealing and informative in a global market · How New Zealand can continue to grow its TV industry – and in particular its exports – in the face of international competition and rising production costs.
Maharey says that the government had invested an additional $30 million through this year’s Budget to strengthen the Broadcasting sector.
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.
