GECs
UTV-Sun JV talks: Channels to get Sun branding
MUMBAI: The final word on the joint venture deal between UTV and Sun Network for the launch of a Tamil and Telugu kids channel is not out yet. But, according to the talks, the channels will operate under the Sun brand.
“As per the discussions, there will be no co-branding of the channels. It will carry the Sun brand. The interest shown is initially for the launch of two kids channels in the Tamil and Telugu languages,” says a source familiar with the negotiations.
According to the talks, UTV will keep the advertising revenues while Sun will enjoy the distribution earnings. The spill over revenues after a prescribed limit will be shared by both the partners.
UTV will invest in the programming and marketing of the channel. The distribution of the channel will be handled by Sun, which runs a cable network in Tamil Nadu called SCV.
“The functioning of the kids’ channels will be similar in arrangement to the Sun Network channels. While Sun sells slots to different producers, in case of the kids’ channels UTV will take care of the entire content and marketing,” the source says.
Sun Network, which has channels in the general entertainment, movies and music space, does not operate any kids’ channels. If the deal sails through, Sun will get into the kids’ genre without making any investment on content. “Being a dominant player in South India, only Sun can get into such deals,” says an industry observer.
For UTV, the deal will put it in partnership with the biggest broadcasting company in South India. The distribution of the Tamil language channel will be assured as SCV is the dominant cable network in the state. Though Sun Group has almost no cable presence in Andhra Pradesh, UTV can use cross-promotion on the network’s Gemini TV to popularise the kids’ channel.
UTV, in fact, wants to sew up a deal that will enable it to spread across the four south-language states with Sun, the source said. UTV, along with promoter Ronnie Screwvala, already runs a Hindi kids channel, Hungama TV. United Home Entertainment is the company that owns and operates Hungama TV.
The talks between UTV and Sun Network are, however, still inconclusive. “There is no conclusive agreement yet. The deal structure could also change as the talks progress,” the source said.
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.
