GECs
Star Plus, Star News to launch in US, Canada; after that it will be Africa, Australia
Following up on the launch of Star Plus and Star News channels in the United Kingdom and Europe, Star has charted out plans to extend the footprint of the two channels in the United States and Canada.
The channels hope to capture the large Indian population in these countries, Arun Mohan, executive vice-president, distribution, says.
Confirming that Star expected to air the twin channels from August 15 in the US and later extend the same package to Canada, Mohan said: “After that we will be looking at Africa and Australia.” Asked whether Star had marked out any specific countries, Mohan said that though countries like South Africa and Nigeria immediately came to mind, any country in Africa which had a significant Indian population could be covered.
The two channels began airing in the United Kingdom on 14 January on Rupert Murdoch’s BSkyB platform. Though the channels are free-to-air at present, the process of encryption of the channels has been completed and they will become paid channels from April. Star has tied up with two multiple-systems operators (MSOs) and the two channels will be on air for ?16 per month.
In the US, Star has allied with six MSOs and will air the channels for a flat price of $25 per month for the two channels.
If the arrangement is anything like that existing in the UK, Star Plus viewers will have to do without Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Star has no licencing agreement from Celador to screen it. Celador holds the rights to the original which spawned KBC – “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”.
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.
