GECs
Viacom announces changes in board of directors
NEW YORK: This is a move through which media conglomerate Viacom is hoping to push towards corporate governance. The owner of MTV and Nickelodeon has announced that Joseph A. Califano, Jr., William S. Cohen, and Alan C. Greenberg have been nominated to stand for election to its directors board at the company’s annual meeting on the 21st of next month.
Viacom has also announced that besides Ken Miller, Brent D. Redstone, George H. Conrades and Leslie Moonves who heads CBS who will not stand for reelection, all the current board members would stand for re-election. As a result, the changes will see the board coming down to 17 from 18 members on the current board. The board will include 11 independent directors.
Speaking on this Viacom’s CEO Sumner Redstone said, “Viacom has gone beyond present and proposed requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the New York Stock Exchange by reducing the representation of management and related parties on our board and increasing the ratio of independent directors.
I am extremely pleased that Viacom has the opportunity to add three very accomplished individuals to our board. Each brings a strong independent voice and together represent years of experience in business, finance, law and public service. Joe Califano, Bill Cohen and Ace Greenberg each have led large, powerful organisations and Viacom will benefit from their skill, their knowledge and their wisdom.
I particularly want to express our thanks to Leslie Moonves, who graciously accepted our request to step down from the board to make room for new independent directors. Leslie is one of the most talented executives in the entertainment business. In his continuing role as president and chief executive officer of CBS, he has led the network to the top spot among broadcasters and has greatly enhanced and expanded our television operations.”
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.
