GECs
Zone Vision to launch new reality channel on BSkyB
MUMBAI: Zone Vision will launch its latest reality channel offering Reality Extra on BSkyB on 28 February. The channel will feature entertainment fare as well as docudramas and documentaries.
Chris Wronksi, the chairman of Zone Vision Networks, noted, “The on-going growth and demand for our Reality TV and Reality TV+1 channels has given us the impetus to launch an additional and expanded Reality TV service. As the audiences for reality programming continue to rise around the world, we are delighted to be able to provide a number of channels dedicated to this diverse and well-loved genre.”
Steve Cole, the senior VP of channels at Zone Vision Networks, said of the Reality Extra slate, “The schedule for Reality Extra varies from our other Reality channels as we are now adding a diverse range of shows including reconstructed real life dramas and feature documentaries that tell fascinating true stories, all of which have huge appeal to our core viewers.”
Zone Vision already offers Reality TV and Reality TV+1 on BSkyB. The Reality TV channel was launched in Europe six years ago and has since rolled out to 125 territories, airing in 22 languages to more than 134 million subscribers. In India, the channel is available on Dish TV DTH.
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.
