GECs
Zee launches Marathi news channel
NEW DELHI: Zee News Ltd. has launched its Marathi news channel Zee 24 Taas as part of a “region-specific strategy.” This is the country’s first 24-hour news channel in Marathi.
Says Zee News Ltd managing director Laxmi Narain Goel, “The news businesses of Zee group have had a history of ‘firsts’. Zee News is the first 24-hour Hindi news channel, Zee Business is the first 24 hour Hindi business channel, and now Zee 24 Taas continues the tradition by becoming the first 24 hour Marathi news channel.”
Adds Zee News chief executive officer Harish Doraiswamy, “The launch followed careful thinking and a whole slew of researches in the market. Obviously, our understanding of Marathi viewer preferences through our experience of Zee Marathi helped us a great deal. I am sure the channel’s content and its presentation will appeal to the discerning Marathi audience.”
Zee Network chairman Subhash Chandra had announced the launch of Zee’s Marathi news channel at the Zee Gaurav Awards on 5 February. The channel is already a strong player in the GEC with Zee Marathi.
Zee News Ltd. is building a cluster of news, current affairs and regional channels. The company’s offerings include Zee News, Zee Business, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Punjabi, Zee Gujarati, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, 24 Ghanta and now, Zee 24 Taas. It also provides news and entertainment content to Zee in USA, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific, the company said in a statement.
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.
