GECs
Zee readies a Bengali news channel
MUMBAI: Star Ananda might soon have competition as Zee News Pvt Ltd readies plans to launch a Bengali news channel.
Going by a working name of Chobbees Ghanta (24 Hours), the proposed news channel is awaiting government and other procedural clearances.
When contacted by Indiantelevision.com, Zee News Pvt LTD confirmed the development with a senior executive saying, “We are planning to launch a Bengali news channel as we feel there’s a market for such a product.”
The new channel will be launched and managed by Zee Akash, a new company that is likely to be managed by Zee News Pvt LTD in association with Akash Bangla, a channel that is said to be funded by supporters of the Left parties.
The company is targeting to launch the channel this quarter, provided various clearances come through by March.
After having restructured itself in September last to conform to government norms for news channels, Zee News Pvt LTD is now charting out a growth path.
In the restructured news entity, Zee Telefilms’ equity stake is 35 per cent, which works out under a complex formula on a pro rata basis to about 20 per cent of foreign holding to comply with the 26 per cent cap.
The restructuring of the news business was necessitated as being part of Zee Telefilms LTD, the foreign holding in the news channels, Zee News and Zee Business, were way above the stipulated government norms.
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.
