GECs
Sony Entertainment Television crosses 100 million subscribers on YouTube
NEW DELHI: After being a leader in the linear TV space, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is making waves on the digital front too. The channel has reportedly crossed 100 million subscribers on YouTube, according to a press statement it released on Tuesday.
SET’s YouTube channel had crossed the 1,000-subscriber mark in 2009, followed by 10 million in 2017, 50 million in 2019, and 100 million now. Since 2019, its YouTube channel has been registering an average of two million subscribers every month, making it one of the biggest subscriber bases for a broadcast brand.
From hosting reality shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati to offering Kapil Sharma’s rib-tickling comedy and making India groove to some hypnotic dance moves in Super Dancer, the channel has attempted to headline the category with diverse genres and formats, bringing some of India’s most popular faces to the living rooms. It has also brought inspiring stories of women empowerment with shows like Ladies Special, Patiala Babes coupled with airing India’s longest-running crime shows CID and Crime Patrol that catered to a generation of audiences.
“We are delighted to hit the 100 million subscription mark on YouTube as the first broadcaster globally. This milestone is a testimony that Sony Entertainment Television’s content performs exceedingly well across all three platforms – Sony Entertainment Television, SonyLIV, and YouTube. This trans platform content success helps us create a robust content pipeline that brings quality, variety, and novelty,” said Sony Pictures Networks digital business head – growth and monetisation Manish Aggarwal.
With this, SET also becomes the first television channel in broadcasting history, as well as the fourth entity to globally reach 100 million subscribers on YouTube, said the company in a media statement. According to the broadcaster, its YouTube channel has reached over 278 million unique viewers globally in the last 90 days and registered more than half a billion (over lifetime) likes, shares, and comments for its engaging content.
YouTube director – content partnerships Satya Raghavan said, “Their popularity is testimony to the fact that quality television content can have longevity on YouTube and foster loyal and vibrant communities. Their shows on YouTube are reaching new and diverse audiences every day and we are happy to see the Sony franchise grow across all screens simultaneously.”
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.
