GECs
Sony Entertainment CEO Lynton stepping down; Hirai to take on more responsibility
MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton will on 2 February reportedly step down as he plans to focus on his role as the chairman of the board of Snap Inc., owner of Snapchat.
The entertainment industry is undergoing major transformative changes, and Lynton’s expertise in the media and entertainment space had been invaluable. Lynton implemented structural and management changes at Sony which would help its music business sustain its good momentum, and the pictures business to set the path for restoring profitability, although Sony recognises the challenges in the motion-pictures business would take some time.
Lynton will however stay on as co-CEO of Sony Entertainment for six months, overseeing the music and pictures businesses, and as the CEO of Sony Corporation of America and Sony Pictures Entertainment, so as to help a smooth change-over, the World Screen has reported.
Tokyo-based Sony Corporation president and CEO Kazuo Hirai is scheduled to take on an enhanced hands-on role within the company’s television, movie and music division.
Lynton has said that it had been an extraordinary 13 years and an honour to work with Sony’s some of the most creative and talented people in the entertainment space. He said he had been involved with Snapchat since its early days, and, given its rise since, decided the time was ripe to focus on his role as the Snap Inc. board chairman.
Hirai said he wanted to thank Lynton for his strong leadership at Sony throughout his illustrious career.
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.
