GECs
Sony-SAB talks not at valuation stage
MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television India appears reluctant to pursue the acquisition of SAB TV, belying reports in the media which have indicated otherwise. The talks between the two companies never reached a valuation stage.
“For us, it is still a choice of whether to make or to buy. We are, in fact, questioning the need of a flanking channel itself,” Sony Entertainment Television India chief executive officer Kunal Dasgupta tells indiantelevision.com. Media reports of Sony’s buying into SAB have reasoned that the network is looking for a flanking channel for its flagship SET.
The concept has failed to work in India is Dasgupta’s contention. “Zee Telefilm’s EL TV effort didn’t succeed. Star Utsav has also not caught fire. We will see how the market evolves before deciding on anything,” says Dasgupta.
When asked whether Sony was at an advanced stage of discussions with SAB, Dasgupta says: “We haven’t reached the stage where we have done an internal valuation of the company.”
For Dasgupta, the priority this year is to get Sony TV to some position of dominance. “Advertising on re-run channels is going to be poor. In matured TV markets, such channels are mainly subscription-driven. When you pay for what you watch, that’s the time to launch a flanking channel,” said Dasgupta.
With Zee and Star having plans in the southern regional language market, what would be Sony’s strategy? “We will plan when we feel that the market is right. There are no movies available for acquisition in these markets. There are also too many players. We will have to wait for consolidation,” says Dasgupta.
Is Sony prepared to buy out any existing players? “We do not want to buy early and spend too much money. We will wait for the right time and decide what we are to do,” he says.
The immediate focus is not to get a flanking channel or move into the regional language markets, but to get Sony TV up. “Getting channels for other audiences are long term plans. There is no point in creating more vessels to lose money,” says Dasgupta.
Isn’t Sony TV slipping in audiences after having climbed up the rating charts in the first half of the year? “In metros, we are actually doing better. Our programme positioning being youthful and aspirational.”
How will the launch of StarOne affect Sony TV, particularly as it is aimed at the younger aspirational audiences? “They may end up cannibalising their own audiences,” is all Dasgupta is willing to offer.
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.
