GECs
SABe TV begins local uplink
MUMBAI: The Adhikari brother’s promoted Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Ltd (SABTNL) has officially launched local uplinking operations as of yesterday.
“Conforming to Information and Broadcasting ministry guidelines for uplink channels, SABe TV’s is the first Hindi General Entertainment channel to migrate from Singapore to India,” an official statement released to the Bombay Stock Exchange says.
The uplinking is being done from the Essel-Shyam Telecom facility in Noida on the outskirts of Delhi, for which SABTNL had earlier secured government clearance. As per SABTNL’s initial uplink launch schedule, it was to begin local operations from 1 October 2002.
Local uplink will reportedly result in a cost saving of Rs 10 million a year for SABTNL. But even more significant for SAB than the operational cost savings is the new government policy that allows non-exporting companies (local advertisers) to advertise on satellite channels as well. These local advertisers will improve commercial time utilisation rate and spot rates; they are also expected to drive advertisement revenues in the future. With the local market opening up, all broadcasters are aggressively wooing local advertisers.
Markand Adhikari, vice chairman and managing director of SABTNL, has been earlier quoted as saying he estimates the size of the local advertising market at Rs 4 billion and says SAB will be looking to aggressively tap that.
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.
