GECs
Star appoints Ross Crowley as senior VP programming
MUMBAI: Star today announced the appointment of Ross Crowley as senior vice president programming. Crowley will be reporting to Star COO Steve Askew.
Crowley will have direct responsibility for Star World and Star Movies. He will also work with the local programming teams in strengthening the companys content development.
A media veteran with over 15 years of experience in the industry, Crowley joins from Foxtel in Australia where he was head of programming, responsible for programming strategy and channel operations across the companys owned and operated channels. Prior to Foxtel, Crowley worked for Nine Network Australia.
Commenting on the appointment, Askew said, “Bringing great content to viewers region-wide is Stars top priority. Ross, with his proven credentials and ability to deliver results, will be a tremendous addition to our team. I have no doubt he will bring a new dimension to our programming development, helping us to further enhance the quality and diversity of our offerings throughout the region.”
“I’m excited to be joining Star, Asias leading broadcaster, and in particular, having the opportunity to work with its talented team. Adding to Star’s programming strengths, as the company grows in the region, is one of the challenges I look forward to,” said Crowley.
Crowley holds a Bachelors degree in Management Studies from Waikato University in New Zealand.
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.
