GECs
Zone Reality acquires a spy show
MUMBAI: Global media firm Zonemedia has signed their first deal with UK independent producer, Wall to Wall Media.
Zonemedia has bought the reality game show Spy acquired for broadcast on its Zone Reality channel in India.
Commissioned by the BBC, the 10 episode one hour series sees a group of ordinary people set the ultimate life-changing challenge – to leave their lives behind, lie to family and friends, relocate to a new city and assume a whole new identity – as they step into the shadows and become spies.
Replicating the real training processes of MI5, MI6 and the CIA, recruits will find themselves under the most intense psychological pressure – but only one recruit will make it; the rest will have to return to their ordinary lives.
Zonemedia senior VP channels Steve Cole says, “This groundbreaking show takes reality television to a whole new level as people are challenged to leave everything behind – Zone Reality is the perfect platform for such an innovative idea and I am confident audiences will find Spy riveting viewing”.
Wall to Wall Media sales executive Nick Pawsey says, “We’re pleased to be in business with Zonemedia on intelligent reality series Spy. This deal now means the show is available in over 100 territories worldwide – a real testament to the universal appeal of the secrets of spying.”
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.
