GECs
Viacom18-SPN merger deal likely to happen by mid-August: reports
MUMBAI: A merger of Sony Pictures Networks and Viacom18 Media is likely to be formally announced by mid-August, according to a Hindustan Times’ report.
The leading daily also mentioned that the merged entity is expected to start operations only by the end of 2021.
Viacom18 is a 51:49 joint venture between Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL)-owned Network18 and US-based Viacom Inc.
The merger has been in the process for almost a year and a half and it will see Sony take a majority stake of 74 per cent in Viacom while the latter will own the remaining 26 per cent.
The above said deal is aimed at providing RIL a greater control over the entertainment industry. It will eventually help it maintain the content pipeline for distribution on its cable service provider DEN and Hathway. Also, it will help its broadband and Internet service JioFiber.
“It gives a lot more muscle to Reliance as a distribution-oriented company with this dedicated content pipeline behind them,” mentioned Hindustan Times based on a source.
The proposed merger with Viacom18 will help Sony to expand its footprint in the overall entertainment sector. Because apart from its Hindi general entertainment channel, Viacom18 has regional language and children channels as well where Sony is lacking.
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.
