GECs
Warner Bros acquires Eyeworks’ business outside US
MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG), following receipt of regulatory approvals has completed acquisition of all Eyeworks’ businesses outside the US, in 15 countries across Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand. With this, the Group has added 13 new territories to its international network of production companies.
This acquisition further strengthens Warner Bros.’ international television production capabilities and sees Warner Bros. take over all of Eyeworks’ international distribution activities for both formats and finished product.
Founded in The Netherlands by Reinout Oerlemans in 2001, Eyeworks is a major international independent producer and distributor of scripted and non-scripted content across a range of genres, including entertainment, drama and film, which airs in more than 150 countries worldwide.
The acquisition of Eyeworks marks a milestone for Warner Bros. International Television Production, led by Warner Bros. International Television Production executive VP & head Ronald Goes, which was originally formed by WBTVG in 2009 to establish operating production companies around the world.
Goes in a press statement commented: “This is an exciting day for Warner Bros. International Television Production, as we grow our on-the-ground production operations by 13 territories. We’ve long admired the way that Eyeworks has been built into a global player in TV production, and we’re proud that today it becomes part of the Warner Bros. family.”
This deal follows the acquisition in 2010 of Shed Media, one of the leading production companies in the UK, and in 2011, BlazHoffski in The Netherlands and Belgium.
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.
