GECs
Sun enters newspaper space with Dinakaran acquisition
MUMBAI: Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Network has bought out Tamil publication giant Dinakaran. With this deal, Maran, who enjoys prominence in television and FM radio, has now entered the newspaper market.
Confirming the development to indiantelevision.com, Sun TV vice-president (programmes) Hansraj Saxena says, “This is a 100 per cent buy out. We are planning to relaunch Dinakaran in a big manner. This will be Sun’s stepping stone into the newspaper space.”
The deal between Maran and Kumaran was signed yesterday (16 June). As per the deal, all the Dinakaran group publications now will move to Sun. Presently, Dinakaran is the third largest daily in Tamil.
The Dinakaran group of publications, owned by K Kumaran, has the flagship daily Dinakaran, eveningers Mali Murasu and Tamizh Murasu under its umbrella. Apart from this, the publication behemoth also has three weeklies Yogalatchumi, Velai Vazhikatti and Vaniga Ulagam.
Sun Network already has a Tamil magazine Kungumum, which has risen on the stands like the proverbial phoenix. Kungumum was the most significant mover over the last three years among the magazines and stood in the fourth position as per the NRS 2005 findings. Kungumum’s readership in 2003 was 765,000 and it ranked 81st in the NRS 2003 survey. Since then the magazine has increased its viewership manifold. At present the magazine’s viewership stands at 5,571,000.
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.
