Category: GECs

  • Zee TV rolls out ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ with a heartwarming mohalla moment

    Zee TV rolls out ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ with a heartwarming mohalla moment

    MUMBAI: Zee TV has unveiled a refreshed brand identity with its new campaign ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’, celebrating the power of connection, community and collective resilience.

    Rooted in the emotionally resonant tagline “Saath aane se baat banti hai”, the campaign serves as a love letter to the everyday stories that unite India — the bonds that go beyond biology, and the strength found in shared joys and struggles.

    The campaign’s flagship brand film centres on an army officer called away on duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the entire neighbourhood rallies behind the family, orchestrating every detail — from Genda Phool decor to the sound of the dholak — creating a wedding as heartfelt as any kin could imagine. On his return, the officer is overcome with emotion, his wife gently saying, “Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya.”

    Set in the vibrant alleys of Faridabad, the film is as much a cultural portrait as it is a brand message — complete with sangeet nights, Boondi Ladoos, rooftop camaraderie and the unmistakable warmth of North Indian mohallas. It features a mix of beloved Zee TV artists like Devansh, Vasudha, Neel, Riddhi, Reet and Raghav, further grounding the story in familiarity and shared nostalgia.

    The channel’s content slate is also getting a viewer-first refresh. Shows like Saru, which follows a village girl chasing big-city dreams, and the upcoming Tumm Se Tumm Tak, a mature love story that challenges age-based norms, reflect Zee’s push toward storytelling that feels personal, progressive, and rooted.

    With Aapka Apna ZEE, the network isn’t just rebranding — it’s re-bonding with audiences, one shared story at a time.

    Speaking about the logo transformation and content lineup, Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “As we deepen our connection with viewers, our content palette grows richer, more diverse, and more reflective of contemporary India. ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ reflects our dedication to genuine storytelling. We carefully created this brand film to authentically capture the Indian cultural fabric, ensuring every detail, from landscapes to rituals, it mirrors the lived experiences of our viewers. While the film draws inspiration from North Indian culture, the emotions and relationships it portrays are universally relatable. We are building a content ecosystem that’s rooted in cultural familiarity but speaks to today’s sensibilities. We want to reflect not just who our viewers are today, but who they’re becoming, navigating new family dynamics, career ambitions, and social transformations with resilience and hope.”

    The campaign was unveiled with great impact during the telecast of the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, where all seven versions of the brand film premiered simultaneously across ZEE’s channels and digital platforms, allowing viewers to experience one powerful idea through seven unique regional voices, all at once.

    With ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’, the network emerges as a companion that reflects every home, every voice, and every lived emotion. A brand that belongs to its audience, because it speaks their language, shares their values, and grows with them.

     

  • Zee Tamil unveils new identity with heartwarming campaign on togetherness

    Zee Tamil unveils new identity with heartwarming campaign on togetherness

    MUMBAI: In a stirring rebrand that leans into emotion over ornament, Zee Tamil has unveiled its new identity and ethos ‘Ullathil Oruvarai Ungal Zee Tamil’ reaffirming its place not just on television sets, but in the hearts of Tamil households. With its latest brand campaign, the channel swaps spectacle for sentiment, tapping into the emotional truths of Tamil Nadu’s everyday lives.

    The new brand film is a love letter to community. At its heart is a poignant tale of an army father, called away just before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the entire neighbourhood steps up like family decorating, planning, and celebrating. The moment he returns to find the festivities perfectly intact is not just a plot point, it’s a collective sigh of relief, a testament to the strength of togetherness.

    Set against an evocative score, the film features beloved Zee Tamil artists and characters in a narrative stitched together by rituals, resilience, and that signature Tamil warmth.

    Zee South cluster head Siju Prabhakar noted, “This isn’t just a new identity, it’s an emotional reaffirmation. Zee Tamil has always been a part of the household, but with ‘Ullathil Oruvarai’, we hope to be a part of people’s inner worlds too. We’re telling stories that feel lived-in, not just viewed.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd CMO Kartik Mahadev added, “The larger ‘Aapka Apna Zee’ campaign echoes the heartbeat of the many Indias that make up our nation. Each of the seven brand films, including Zee Tamil’s, is rooted in the rituals, rhythms, and raw emotions of its region. From the rains in Kerala to an army village in Telangana, we’re reflecting the truths people carry in their hearts.”

    The refreshed Zee Tamil identity isn’t a surface-level makeover, it’s a deeper realignment with the spirit of the land it serves. With stories that don’t just entertain but embrace, Zee Tamil is writing a new chapter, one where the screen feels like a mirror, and the message is clear: we’re one of you.

    And in a time when connection matters more than ever, Zee Tamil isn’t just broadcasting, it’s belonging.

  • Star Utsav scripts a blockbuster comeback on FTA turf

    Star Utsav scripts a blockbuster comeback on FTA turf

    MUMBAI: Star Utsav is on a ratings roll, clinching the top Free-to-Air (FTA) spot for the eighth consecutive week since its high-voltage return. The channel has struck gold with its heady mix of nostalgia, daily drama, and culturally rooted storytelling that’s kept the Hindi heartland hooked.

    Powered by prime-time juggernauts like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin and Rabba Ve, Star Utsav hasn’t just topped the FTA charts—it’s also rubbing shoulders with pay TV biggies in the Hindi-speaking markets.

    “The strong reception to Star Utsav’s return validates the power of compelling storytelling. Our curated content strategy focused on family-driven narratives has enabled the channel to swiftly reclaim leadership in the FTA space. We remain committed to delivering scale and value to both audiences and advertisers alike,” said a Star Utsav spokesperson.

    What’s really driving viewership? A trio of relatable female leads—Sai, Akshara, and Khushi—who bring sass, strength, and substance to the small screen. They’ve emerged as icons for young Indian women, particularly in the 15–30 age group, where the channel leads the pack.

    And just when viewers thought it couldn’t get more nostalgic, Star Utsav unleashed Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, with Smriti Irani’s Tulsi returning to living rooms and melting hearts anew.

    With a heady cocktail of mythology, romance, drama, and legacy soaps, Star Utsav is proving that when it comes to storytelling, tradition still sells—especially when it’s served with a side of prime-time flair.

    **Source: BARC, 15+,HSM U+R, Week 14-21’2025

  • Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    MUMBAI: Zee has dropped a fresh new identity – Aapka Apna Zee – with a campaign that’s equal parts emotion and impact. Ditching the glitz for grit and heart, the network’s latest rebrand leans into community spirit with the tagline Saath aane se baat banti hai – because let’s face it, everything’s better when done together.

    The new campaign isn’t just a slick TV spot—it’s a full-blown cinematic hug. A series of multilingual films in seven Indian languages bring alive hyperlocal stories with familiar faces, real textures, and regional quirks. From the monsoon playing co-star in Kerala to a proud military village in Telangana, each story hits home—and hard.

    The hero of the brand film is an army dad called to duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the mohalla rises like one big Indian joint family, pulling off the shaadi with flair. When he returns to find everything flawlessly done, his wife smiles and says Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya. Pass the tissues, please.

    But the kicker? Zee’s most loved fictional characters—yes, Angoori Bhabi, Devansh, Shravani, Durga, and more—step out of their shows and into this narrative, not as stars, but as apne log. It’s meta, emotional, and frankly, brilliant.

    Tags links:

    Zee TV/ &TV:

    Zee Marathi:

    Zee Kannada:

    Zee Telugu:

    Zee Keralam:

    Zee Bangla:

    Zee Tamil:

    Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (Zeel) CMO Kartik Mahadev said, “Aapka Apna Zee is a powerful multilingual brand film series that brings alive the essence of the many Indians that live in one country.It is a mirror to how India shows up for each other. Each of the seven films is deeply rooted in the cultural milieu of its region— capturing its rhythm, rituals, landscapes, and the authenticity of its people. From the rains becoming a character in Kerala, to a village in Telangana known for its legacy of army service, every story reflects the cultural richness and emotional truths of real India. This campaign is a reaffirmation of Zee’s role as a trusted companion in the daily lives of millions. Saath Hai Toh Baat Hai is a sentiment that links to the heartbeat of millions of homes, where Zee isn’t just watched, but welcomed every day.”

    The campaign made its grand debut during the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, with all seven films premiering simultaneously across the network’s TV and digital platforms. One idea, seven voices, all heart.

  • Colors Kannada turns 10: Dashakada Mahotsava promises stars, sparkle and Shivanna nostalgia

    Colors Kannada turns 10: Dashakada Mahotsava promises stars, sparkle and Shivanna nostalgia

    MUMBAI: Colors Kannada is rolling out the red carpet for a full-blown birthday bash — and it’s bringing the who’s who of Sandalwood along for the ride. The channel is celebrating its 10-year milestone with Colors Kannada Dashakada Mahotsava, a two-day televised gala airing on 7th and 8th June at 7:00 PM.

    Presented in association with Sunpure (special partner) and Dazzler Cosmetics (beauty partner), the primetime celebration will see the Kannada entertainment fraternity light up the screen with nostalgia, spectacle and a salute to the channel’s legacy.

    Leading the charge? None other than Karunada Chakravarthy Dr. Shivrajkumar, whose own cinematic milestone — 40 years in the industry — will be honoured in a specially curated segment titled Shivanna 40. Expect emotional throwbacks, on-stage surprises, and a starry-eyed salute from industry stalwarts and family alike.
    From screen legends like Geetha Shivarajkumar, Sri Murali, Vijaya Raghavendra, Dr. Tara Anuradha, and Mukhya Mantri Chandru, to small-screen sweethearts like Shwetha Prasad, Ranjini Raghavan, Dhanush, and Sushma Nanaiah, the Mahotsava promises a parade of familiar faces and fan-favourite moments.

    Themed Ade Beru, Hosa Chiguru (Same Roots, New Shoots), the celebration honours a decade of cultural storytelling while teasing a bold new era with the launch of fresh shows and formats.

    “For over a decade, Colors Kannada has been more than just a channel — it has been a true companion to every Kannadiga. We’ve strived to reflect the lives of our viewers, celebrate their spirit, and tell stories that echo the heart and soul of Karnataka. As we mark this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to every viewer who welcomed us into their homes and hearts. This celebration is as much theirs as it is ours — a tribute to the journey we’ve shared and the promise of many more stories to come. A heartfelt thank you to Shivanna for being part of this momentous occasion and leading us forward into a bright and inspiring new chapter for Kannada entertainment.” said JioStar head of cluster entertainment -south Krishnan Kutty.

    From Puttagowri Madhuve to Bigg Boss Kannada, the channel has been at the forefront of fiction and non-fiction storytelling in Karnataka, shaping viewing habits and setting new benchmarks.

    For fans, this weekend is more than just a celebration — it’s a love letter to 10 years of prime-time magic. Don’t miss the Mahotsava on Colors Kannada, 7 and 8 June, 7:00 PM sharp.Colors 

  • Sun TV’s sparkle dims: Profit slips, revenues wobble IN FY25

    Sun TV’s sparkle dims: Profit slips, revenues wobble IN FY25

    MUMBAI: It was less sizzle and more fizzle for Sun TV network in FY25, as the broadcaster reported a dip in both revenues and bottom line, despite pulling in the crowds via its cricket franchises and digital platform Sun Nxt.

    The media powerhouse, led by managing director Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman, posted a standalone profit after tax of Rs 1,654.46 crore for the year ended 31 March 2025 – a near 12 per cent drop from last year’s Rs 1,875.15 crore. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 3,878.86 crore, down 6.5 per cent year-on-year, suggesting the sun isn’t quite blazing like it used to.

    Even its consolidated figures couldn’t bowl over investors. Group revenues dropped to Rs 4,015.09 crore from Rs 4,282.10 crore a year earlier, with consolidated EBITDA slipping to Rs 2,132.75 crore from Rs 2,638.11 crore – a 19 per cent hit.

    The company’s love affair with cricket, however, continued unabated. Its IPL baby Sunrisers Hyderabad and the CSA’s Sunrisers Eastern Cape contributed Rs 641.96 crore in revenue – a respectable innings – but expenses from the franchises ate up over half of that at Rs 351.04 crore. The broadcast business remains the real spinner in Sun TV’s line-up.

    On the quarterly scorecard, Q4 FY25 total income rose 7.4 per cent to Rs 1,135.86 crore, but that wasn’t enough to boost profits. PAT stood at Rs 362.18 crore, down from Rs 398.77 crore in the same period last year.
    One curveball in the results: an exceptional loss of Rs 73.52 crore on account of impairment in a joint venture – a cautionary tale on where not to bet.

    Meanwhile, the board kept investors sweet with four interim dividends through the year totalling Rs 15 per share (300 per cent). Yet, shareholders may be wondering whether that’s lipstick on a slightly fading star.
    Sun TV still boasts hefty reserves of Rs 11,450 crore, but the real question for FY26 is whether the network can reignite its programming mojo and OTT play to counter headwinds in the traditional TV and sports biz.

    With GenAI reshaping content creation and younger audiences tuning out, Sun TV will need more than prime time reruns and T20 thrills to keep shining.

  • Adil Memon rises to helm Zee Mena: From marketing maverick to media monarch

    Adil Memon rises to helm Zee Mena: From marketing maverick to media monarch

    MUMBAI:  Adil Memon, Zee Entertainment’s long-standing content and marketing whiz, has now taken the hot seat as acting territory head – Mena at the broadcaster. After nearly 18 years of crafting desi drama into Arabic hits, Memon’s elevation signals a stronger push into cross-cultural storytelling and commercial innovation.

    The media veteran is best known for pioneering co-produced Arabic originals based on Indian formats—a savvy blend of Indian cinema  flair and Middle Eastern flavour that’s helped Zee cement its regional footprint.

    In his new role, Memon’s mission is clear: supercharge Zee’s linear, digital, and production arms for both south Asian expats and native Arab audiences, while dreaming up stories that cut across borders.

    From scaling eyeballs to growing co-pro IPs, his past titles—executive vice president, vice president, and content head—read like a masterclass in media manoeuvring. With stints across TV, print, and digital, plus a side-hustle passion for real estate, Memon brings a 360° business lens to the role.

    Whether it’s tightening revenue screws, building local alliances, or just knowing what makes viewers tick, Memon’s got it mapped. Here’s to a new innings—Zee style—in the ever-booming Mena media bazaar.

  • Old shows new highs as Sony PAL tops FTA charts with 109 million viewers

    Old shows new highs as Sony PAL tops FTA charts with 109 million viewers

    MUMBAI: Who says old favourites can’t cause new waves? Sony PAL, the Free-to-Air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), is proving that prime-time nostalgia can power modern ratings. The channel has clocked a sharp surge in viewership, becoming the fastest-growing FTA GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), and is now the undisputed leader in reach and resonance.

    According to BARC (Week 19, 2025), Sony PAL now reaches 109 million viewers that’s 17 per cent weekly reach, the highest among FTA Hindi GECs. And it’s not just mass appeal the channel’s got serious metro cred too. Among urban Hindi-speaking audiences aged 15 plus, Sony PAL pulled in a robust 41 GRPs, outperforming FTA peers. Even more striking? Urban male viewers gave it 63 GRPs, confirming that Sony PAL isn’t just a family favourite, it’s also prime time for the bros.

    What’s fuelling this FTA frenzy? Familiar faces and full-fat entertainment. Iconic shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show have migrated to free-to-air for the first time, a strategic play that’s expanded their fan base and made quality content accessible without a paywall.

    By combining smart content curation with a no-subscription model, Sony PAL has tapped into India’s deep appetite for nostalgic, family-friendly storytelling all while scooping up serious ratings gold.

    In a landscape where eyeballs are fickle and attention spans fleeting, Sony PAL has managed to hit the sweet spot comfort viewing with mass reach, delivered for free. Now that’s what you call a PAL for the people.
     

  • Nordic households caught in the act: piracy up 16 per cent as illegal IPTV continues to boom

    Nordic households caught in the act: piracy up 16 per cent as illegal IPTV continues to boom

    MUMBAI: Piracy in the Nordics isn’t just about dodging subscription fees anymore—it’s now fuelling organised crime. New research by Mediavision reveals over 1.5 million households in the region are paying for illegal IPTV services, up 200,000 homes (16 per cent) from spring 2024. These services offer cut-price, unlawful access to premium TV channels and streaming content.

    While Finland lags slightly in pirate uptake, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are sailing in the same leaky boat. Behind the scenes? A report in late 2024 had disclosed that the web of illegal operators had ties to trafficking and drug cartels.

    “Piracy continues to pose a serious threat to the industry,” said Mediavision.  senior analyst Adrian Grande. “As illegal IPTV keeps growing, it is encouraging that the issue is on the agenda, but it is also clear that action is needed to tackle the problem”.

    The reason: rising living costs and high OTT prices were pushing households into piracy’s arms.

    And it’s not just a fringe issue—25 per cent of 15–74-year-olds in the region streamed or downloaded content illegally in mid-2024 alone. The Nordic Content Protection (NCP) had in 2024 sounded the alarm, not just on copyright theft but its criminal underbelly. 

    To fight back, the NCP had teamed up with TV 2 Denmark, Viaplay Group, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Allente to launch high-impact anti-piracy campaigns, fronted by local TV personalities. These aired throughout 2024, hoping to shock users into realising that their dodgy stream might be bankrolling crime.

    In Norway, legislators are exploring a bold fix: a payment ban on IPTV services, similar to restrictions already placed on offshore gambling. Meanwhile, Sweden’s laws remain murky, with NCP pushing for stricter, clearer rules.

    As pirates loot the digital seas of Europe, Indian broadcasters and streamers would be wise to keep their periscopes up. How much of a revenue loss they are incurring on account of  the Nordic pilferage only a deeper inquiry can ascertain.

  • Zee steals the show at Goafest as creativity gets its day in the sun

    Zee steals the show at Goafest as creativity gets its day in the sun

    MUMBAI: The glittering second day of Goafest 2025 turned into a proper awards ceremony slugfest  as Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd strutted away with the coveted ‘broadcaster of the year’ crown, leaving its competitors nursing wounded egos and consolation prizes.

    With the swagger of a seasoned prize-fighter, Zee knocked out the competition with a knockout punch of 28 points, courtesy of two golds, one silver, one bronze and a merit. Not bad for a day’s work, really.

    Star India Pvt Ltd  put up a respectable fight, clinching second place with 18 points after bagging one gold, one silver and two merits. Meanwhile, Viacom18 Media Private Litd  had to settle for bronze medal position with 16 points, managing two silvers and one bronze—a performance that suggests they’re more silver screen than silver medal material.

    The others weren’t entirely left empty-handed. Cheil India and Culver Max Entertainment each snagged a gold apiece, earning themselves eight points and a modicum of bragging rights at the office water cooler.

    The Abby Creative Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, didn’t stop at the broadcaster shakedown. Day two saw the advertising industry’s finest duke it out across specialist categories including public relations, digital specialist, design specialist, mobile specialist, technology specialist, and direct specialist. Because apparently, everyone’s a specialist these days.

    The awards, which have become something of a premier benchmark for excellence in Indian advertising and media, continue to prove that creativity isn’t dead—it’s just very competitive and occasionally ruthless.