GECs
Star suspects sabotage in satellite signal disruption
MUMBAI: Star India is suspecting sabotage of its signals from AsiaSat satellite. The company said on Monday that its transponder on AsiaSat 3S was interrupted by an illegal signal on 20 June at 8:40 pm, causing a break in the broadcast of Star’s Indian channels including Star Plus, Star Gold and Star News.
“Somebody stopped the signals. The illegal transmission affected the broadcast of our Indian channels several times from 8.40 pm to 10.52 pm,” a Star spokesperson said.
Following the interruption, Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited has increased its tracking capability to protect Star’s channels from future loss of service. The company will be able to identify and locate the source of interference to its satellites in a matter of seconds and it will take appropriate action against any offending transmitter under the law, Star said in a release.
“If deliberate, the interruption seriously violated international telecommunication treaties, contravened international regulations, and was in breach of the normal conduct of satellite operations,” the release added.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
