GECs
Vh1’s Christina Norman elevated as MTV president
MUMBAI: Christina Norman, the highly regarded president of Vh1, has been given a much more high profile role within MTV Networks. The African American media whiz was yesterday named president of MTV: Music Television.
Stepping into her shoes as it were is Tom Calderone, who has been named general manager of Vh1. Calderone has served at MTV and MTV 2 as executive vice president, music programming and talent.
Norman fills a position that has been lying vacant since October. As president, Norman will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, strategy and management of MTV. She will also oversee and direct: business development, research, marketing and promotion, finance, communications and human resources and will partner with the respective general managers on the overall strategic direction of MTV2, mtvU, MTV Espanol, MTV Hits and MTV Jams, informs a media release.
In addition, Norman will help manage MTV’s new media efforts, with the digital media group, including MTV.com and MTV She will also be responsible for MTV’s strategy around new business initiatives and consumer products under the MTV brand.
At Vh1, Norman has been credited with revamping the programming and enhancing creative development and the networks on-air image.
As for Calderone, he had overseen the development of music franchises such as Spankin’ New Music, and MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups.
Calderone also played a key role in the renewed MTV2 by shepherding new programming as the underground hit Wonder Showzen, the music performance series Discover and Download and music blocks Sucker Free Sundays and Subterranean.
Both Norman and Calderone will continue to be based in New York and report to MTV Networks president Van Toffler.
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.
