GECs
UTV scrip up on Disney deal buzz
MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications’ share price has gone up by 18 per cent in the last three trading days on the talk that the Walt Disney Company is buying into Hungama TV. The market is also abuzz with rumours that Disney is picking up a small stake in UTV.
The scrip opened today at Rs 162, touched a high of Rs 182, and closed at Rs 175. On Thursday, it had gained Rs 14.50 to end at Rs 165.65.
UTV is making a preferential allotment to Disney, a dealer in a broking firm said. The integrated media company holds 49 per cent in United Home Entertainment (UHE) which runs Hindi kids channel Hungama TV.
Meanwhile, an earlier deal that was to go through with Malaysia’s Astro All Asia Entertainment Networks has not yet closed, another dealer said. Astro was to take 26.01 per cent in UHE for a consideration of $7 million (Rs 310 million), putting the enterprise valuation at a little under $28 million (Rs 1.24 billion). While UTV was to hold 49 per cent, the balance was to be with UTV founder-promoter Ronnie Screwvala.
The market buzz is that Disney would hold at least a controlling stake in Hungama TV, a dealer said. UTV had earlier in its FY06 results announced that the capital employed in UHE was Rs 840 million. This was used to fund Hungama TV’s operations. UTV has made investments of Rs 680 million into the channel till then.
Neither UTV nor Walt Disney Company (India) Ltd were available for comment. UTV had earlier denied a report in a leading financial daily, stating in a notice to the stock exchange that it was not in talks with Walt Disney to sell 30 per cent stake in UHE.
MTV Networks India had also been in talks with UTV but the two parties could reach no common grounds on valuation. The plan was to have a second channel along with Nick, which was struggling to get audiences. MTV, sources say, was interested in buying out Hungama TV.
UTV, meanwhile, is planning to merge United Entertainment Solutions Ltd, a post production subsidiary company, with itself. In a move to consolidate the post production business, the company had acquired Western Outdoor in 2002. UTV also has a strong presence in movie production and is into animation business.
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.
