GECs
Star open to talks on payment terms to producers
Responding to reported rumblings of discontent over payment terms among the producers of some of its hit serials, Star TV has said it is open to negotiations.
We’re in touch a number of producers at any given time and obviously terms will vary from one to another depending on various factors, Peter Mukerjea, CEO of News Television India, the Indian arm of Hong Kong-based Star TV, said.
His comment came after attention was drawn to a Business Standard report that some independent production companies were demanding a hefty cut of the profits earned by Star from their programmes.
Balaji Telefilms, promoted by former Bollywood star Jeetendra and producer of two of the top serials on Star Plus (including the superhit family soap opera, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”) confirmed that it was renegotiating programme rates with the channel.
When pressed for details about the talks with Balaji, Mukerjea said he couldn’t say offhand what level the discussions had reached.
Meanwhile, in another development, reversing its earlier decision to drop co-sponsors, Star has decided to have sponsors back on KBC.
“We have struck deals with six sponsors,” Sumantra Dutta, executive vice-president (sales and marketing) said on Tuesday. “The new sponsors are Pepsi, Cadbury, Raymond’s, Kinetic, Everest and Godrej,” Dutta added.
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.
