GECs
Sony’s Stringer on maiden India visit as SET turns 10
MUMBAI: After the Murdochs, Eisners and Igers of the world, it’s now time for Sony Corp’s first non-Japanese chairman and CEO Howard Stringer to come on a visit to India.
Stringer, who took charge in March this year, will be here on 20 October. One among the other reasons for his visit: to participate in the 10-year celebration party of Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India, which is going to be held in Mumbai on 22 October at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
According to information available with Indiantelevision.com, Stringer will first be in Delhi, on 20 October. He is seeking to meet senior government functionaries including prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy. He is also likely to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra during his hectic stay here.
Stringer will reach Mumbai on 21 October, it is learnt. Apart from meetings with SET India executives, he will also have interaction with Sony Music and Sony Pictures Releasing of India Ltd (earlier Columbia TriStar Films of India), which is Sony Pictures Entertainment’s film distribution arm. He is also likely to meet executives from Sony Corp’s consumer electronics division.
Stringer will leave India on 23 October, sources say. He has been quoted in Forbes as saying, “In October, I’ll be on the road for three and a half weeks — in India, in China, twice in Tokyo.”
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.
