ITV

Category: GECs

  • Zee rebrands as a content and tech powerhouse with ‘Yours Truly, Z’ promise

    Zee rebrands as a content and tech powerhouse with ‘Yours Truly, Z’ promise

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) has unveiled a fresh, tech-infused brand universe as it repositions itself as a content and technology powerhouse. With a sharp focus on blending content with cutting-edge technology, the company has set its sights on enhanced performance, profitability, and global reach.

    Zee’s new brand identity, headlined by the promise ‘Yours Truly, Z,’ is a blend of bold design, vibrant colours, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a complete transformation aimed at offering immersive experiences across entertainment platforms. The sleek, adaptive design reflects Zee’s legacy of three decades while embracing the aspirations of young India.

    Zee brandA letter from the brand to its stakeholders adds a personal touch: “I promise to make you laugh louder, dream bigger, and feel more deeply in every moment.” This emotional connect isn’t just fluff – it’s a strategic move to deepen consumer loyalty and brand affinity.

    The transformation was unveiled at the Zee Cine Awards 2025, where CEO Punit Goenka highlighted the brand’s mission to leverage technology for content creation, distribution, and monetisation. “Our new look is futuristic, dynamic, and agile, reflecting our team’s capability to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” Goenka said. “The brand promise of ‘Yours Truly, Z’ captures our consumer-centric approach and commitment to delivering meaningful experiences.”
    Zee Brand architectureUnderpinning this transformation are Zee’s core brand pillars: a purpose-driven existence, a vision to bring positive change through purposeful entertainment, and a mission to consistently deliver value to stakeholders. The company aims to enrich lives by creating extraordinary moments of optimism and togetherness.

    From its pioneering role in Indian media to becoming a global player, Zee has been an entertainment juggernaut. Now, with its fresh brand universe, it’s not just keeping up with the times – it’s setting the pace. 

    As the brand’s new identity rolls out on  8 June 2025, during the telecast of Zee Cine Awards, all eyes will be on how ‘Yours Truly, Z’ shapes the future of Indian entertainment.

  • Dish it out Rishtey style with Shiv, Shakti and shape-shifting serpents

    Dish it out Rishtey style with Shiv, Shakti and shape-shifting serpents

    MUMBAI: Your living room’s about to turn into a TV temple and a snake pit all in one evening. Colors Rishtey has officially landed on DD Free Dish with a bang, and it’s bringing with it a dhamakedaar line-up that’s equal parts divine, dramatic and downright addictive. The channel is levelling up its entertainment game by airing two of Indian television’s most talked-about blockbusters Shiv Shakti- Tap Tyag Tandav and Naagin – Naash ka Vinaash for the very first time on DD Free Dish, starting 15 May.

    Myth meets masala as Shiv Shakti takes viewers on a soul-stirring journey through the cosmic love story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, with Ram Yashvardhan and Subha Rajput slipping into their divine avatars at 7 PM sharp. And just when you’re catching your breath, Naagin slithers in at 9 PM with Tejasswi Prakash, Mahek Chahal, Simba Nagpal, and the evergreen Sudha Chandran in a double role that promises twice the chills and thrills.

    Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav actor Ram Yashvardhan shared, “I’m genuinely thrilled that our show is now airing on Colors Rishtey and reaching so many more homes through DD Free Dish! This show is the divine love story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, a timeless saga etched in our culture, our hearts, and our collective memory. What makes it even more meaningful is that it’s perfect for family viewing. From powerful visuals to deep-rooted emotions, and so many learnings, there’s something in it for everyone from kids to grandparents. As an actor, it’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a show that’s not only cherished but also becomes part of everyday conversations in homes across the country.”

    Naagin – Naash ka Vinaash, actor Sudha Chandran shared, “After over 38 years in the industry, Naagin 6 gave me something I had always dreamed of—a double role. Playing both Seema and her mother Tara has been incredibly exciting and creatively fulfilling. As an actor, it’s a joy to switch between two such layered characters, especially when they appear in the same frame. I’m grateful to have this in my kitty, and I’m thrilled that millions of more viewers will now get to experience this journey on COLORS Rishtey through DD Free Dish.”

    But Colors Rishtey isn’t just banking on its primetime heavyweights. The channel is reviving fan-favourites like Sasural Simar Ka, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and a power-packed kids’ slate featuring Munki and Trunk, Keymon Ache, and Shiva. It’s full-family entertainment that’s free, fabulous, and finally on every screen.

    So whether you’re in the mood for divine dilemmas, slithery secrets, or just some nostalgic chaos, tune in to Colors Rishtey on DD Free Dish. Because this May, the remote deserves some drama too.

  • PAL in demand Sony’s free channel strikes gold with GRP and reach gains

    PAL in demand Sony’s free channel strikes gold with GRP and reach gains

    MUMBAI: Sony PAL is no longer flying under the radar, it’s soaring. The Free-to-Air Hindi GEC from Sony Pictures Networks India has emerged as the fastest growing player in the Hindi-speaking markets, making its mark with a potent mix of classic crowd-pullers and strategic programming.

    According to BARC data (NCCS 15 plus, HSM U+R, Week 14 to 17, 2025), Sony PAL clocked a record 15.6 per cent weekly reach in Week 17 more than any other FTA Hindi general entertainment channel. If that wasn’t enough to raise industry eyebrows, the channel also posted a 51 per cent jump in GRPs over just four weeks, securing its place in the country’s living rooms and lounge-time routines.

    So, what’s fuelling this prime-time leap? The answer lies in a nostalgic but effective playbook: shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show television’s equivalent of comfort food now offered on the FTA platter for the first time. These fan-favourite titles have become PAL’s not-so-secret sauce for drawing multi-generational audiences.

    While other networks chase trends, Sony PAL is doubling down on familiarity and family-friendly fare, positioning itself as the channel of choice for all-day, every-age entertainment. With its strategic shift to unlock premium legacy content for free access, the channel is not only expanding reach but also reasserting relevance in a saturated GEC space.

    In a rapidly changing TV landscape, Sony PAL’s performance proves that good old storytelling when delivered smartly still has the power to win hearts, TRPs, and market share.

     

  • Zee names Rohit Suri as chief human resources officer, bets on a people-powered future

    Zee names Rohit Suri as chief human resources officer, bets on a people-powered future

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (Zee) has roped in Rohit Suri as its new chief human resources officer, effective 12 May 2025. Suri, who will be based in Mumbai and report directly to chief executive officer Punit Goenka, is tasked with turbocharging Zee’s human capital strategy.

    Armed with over 25 years of experience across consumer internet, technology, and media companies, Suri most recently led talent management at Netflix India. His CV boasts leadership roles across South Asia, APAC, and Europe, where he drove HR transformation, leadership development, and cultural integration.

    Goenka hailed the appointment, stating, “Human capital remains the cornerstone of our success at Zee as we progress to achieve our targeted goals for a robust future. I am glad to welcome Rohit, who joins us at a pertinent juncture, as we aim to strengthen the HR operations, people strategy and overall organisational culture to build a future-ready workplace. With his strong expertise and understanding in talent development and cultural integration especially within the media & entertainment sector, we look forward to fostering an environment of higher innovation and collaboration.”

    Suri, in his statement, said, “I am pleased to join Zee at a pivotal time as it marches forward with clear, strategic goals to define the future of the media & entertainment industry. Across the sector, Zee has always been recognized for nurturing an entrepreneurial culture and building leaders for tomorrow. I am excited to drive this momentum forward and cultivate a more performance-oriented environment that contributes meaningfully to its  overall strategic growth plans.”
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    The media powerhouse has made it clear — with Suri in charge, it’s all systems go for a high-performance, innovation-driven work culture.

  • Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has closed its financial year on a high note, reporting a 32 per cent rise in EBITDA to Rs 11,962 million for FY25, powered by sharp cost control and solid performance across its digital and television businesses. The company’s board has recommended a dividend of Rs 2.43 per equity share of Re 1, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

    Zee’s traditional TV business held its ground, maintaining a stable 16.8 per cent share of the Indian TV network viewership, even as sports broadcasts slightly ate into general entertainment viewership. Notably, Zeel’s regional channels — Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu — emerged as strong performers.

    On the digital front, Zeel’s streaming platform Zee5 recorded a six per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 9,760 million in FY25. Even more impressive was the platform’s ability to rein in losses, slashing its EBITDA losses by Rs 5,572 million over the year. Zee5’s growth was fuelled by 20 new original titles, which helped it maintain user engagement despite a challenging digital ad market.

    Zee Studios had a busy quarter, releasing eight films across Hindi and regional languages, bolstering its presence in the domestic film market. Meanwhile, Zee Music Co (ZMC) continued its YouTube dominance, reaching 164 million subscribers with a whopping 190 billion views in FY25. ZMC added 14.7 million new subscribers during the year, solidifying its position as the second-largest music label on YouTube.

    Zee’s financials reflected strong cost discipline. Total revenue for FY25 stood at Rs 82,941 million, with an EBITDA margin of 14.4 per cent — a 390 basis point increase from FY24. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations surged by 245 per cent to Rs 6,874 million, a testament to the company’s focus on profitability.

    The balance sheet looked rock-solid with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs 24.1 billion by March 2025, including Rs 2 billion from the first tranche of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). The company’s net profit for the year came in at Rs 6,795 million, a massive 381 per cent jump over FY24.

    * Operating revenue for FY25: Rs 82,941 million, down four per cent YoY due to advertising pressure.
    * Expenditure fell by eight per cent to Rs 70,979 million, reflecting strong cost control.
    * EBITDA for FY25 rose to Rs 11,962 million, with a margin of 14.4 per cent, up 390 bps YoY.
    * Profit before tax (PBT) from continuing operations surged 143 per cent to Rs 9,261 million.
    * Zee’s all-India TV network share: 16.8 per cent, marginally down by 30 basis points YoY.
    * Regional powerhouses included Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu.
    * TV revenues saw a mixed bag, with advertising under pressure but subscription and syndication revenue offering a cushion.
    * Zee5 revenue: Rs 9,760 million, up 6 per cent YoY.
    * EBITDA losses cut by Rs 5,572 million in FY25.
    * Original content: 20 new titles, driving user engagement.
    * Syndication revenue provided an additional boost.
    * Zee Studios: Eight films released in Q4 FY25 across Hindi and regional languages.
    * Notable releases included Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (Zee Bangla), Naa Ninna Bidalaare  (Zee Kannada), Lakshmi Nivasam (Zee Telugu), and Gatti Melam (Zee Tamil).
    * Zee Studios maintained its focus on a balanced mix of in-house and distributed titles.
    * ZMC: Total subscribers: 164 million across all channels, up 14.7 million YoY.
    * Total video views: 190 billion in FY25.
    * ZMC remains the second-largest music label on YouTube globally.

  • Disney’s magic numbers: Q2 2025 earnings cast a spell

    Disney’s magic numbers: Q2 2025 earnings cast a spell

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company’s Q2 2025 earnings have delivered a star-studded performance, with revenues climbing seven per cent to $23.6 billion, driven by robust gains in entertainment and experiences. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing — sports struggled with soaring production costs, keeping the magic somewhat grounded.

    In the spotlight, Disney’s entertainment segment sparkled with a 61 per cent surge in operating income, hitting $1.3 billion. Direct-to-consumer revenues also soared, thanks to a 2.5 million bump in Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, pushing the combined total to 180.7 million. The much-talked-about Disney+ subscriber base alone rose to 126 million, an addition of 1.4 million from the previous quarter.

    However, the sports division played a tougher game. Operating income tumbled by $91 million to $687 million, primarily due to bloated programming costs, which included airing three extra college football playoff games and an additional NFL clash. ESPN’s domestic advertising revenue shot up by 29 per cent, but it wasn’t enough to offset the spending blitz.

    Disney’s crown jewel — its experiences division — continued to enchant. Segment operating income hit $2.5 billion, a nine per cent rise, as domestic parks saw a 13 per cent boost in income, driven by higher spending and increased attendance.

    Net income soared to $3.4 billion from just $216 million a year ago, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) hitting $1.45, a 20 per cent year-on-year jump. Free cash flow surged over 100 per cent to $4.9 billion, thanks to lower tax payments and tighter cost control.

    But not everything was a fairy tale. Disney’s Star India JV posted a $103 million loss, reflecting ongoing challenges in the competitive Indian market. There was also a equity loss from India JV of ~$300 million driven by purchase accounting amortisation. Amounts for the current period include impairment charges related to the Star India transaction ($143 million) and content ($109 million). Tax expense in the current period includes the estimated tax impact of these charges and a non-cash tax charge of $244 million related to the Star India transaction. Amounts for the prior-year period include impairments of goodwill ($2,038 million).

    Looking ahead, Disney is waving its wand at a 16 per cent rise in adjusted EPS for the full year, expecting $5.75 per share, as it bets on double-digit growth in entertainment and a fresh direct-to-consumer push with ESPN’s new offering.

    Disney’s CEO Bob Iger summed it up: “Our outstanding performance this quarter underscores our continued success building for growth and executing across our strategic priorities. Overall, we remain optimistic about the direction of the company and our outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.” 

  • Shemaroo strikes gold with a GEMA-packed show of creative power

    Shemaroo strikes gold with a GEMA-packed show of creative power

    MUMBAI: From devotional beats to thriller treats, Shemaroo has truly GEMA-fied its game. At the 2025 GEMA Awards – TV/Streaming India Regional, Shemaroo Entertainment walked away with a glittering haul of 17 trophies 11 Gold and 6 Silver proving that when it comes to regional and digital entertainment marketing, it’s anything but playing it safe.

    The wins weren’t just plenty, they were poetic. The Gujarati thriller Vash thrilled its way to double Gold for promos, plus a Silver encore for poster and visual art. Meanwhile, Live Bhakti Vibes turned divine inspiration into design domination, with multiple Golds for its Lalbaugcha Raja and Rath Yatra campaigns, covering everything from animation to festive promos.

    Even the in-house team got their moment in the spotlight, with their Congratulations campaign snagging Gold and Silver nods. Elsewhere, Hellaro, Baahubali (Marathi dubbed), and Super 13 showcased Shemaroo’s genre-spanning mastery from music and mythology to high-stakes drama.

    With a clean sweep in four key categories, Shemaroo isn’t just making content, it’s scripting success across formats, languages and fandoms.

    So while some chase virality, Shemaroo playing the long game: crafting campaigns with cultural weight, emotional charge, and visuals that pop harder than a Diwali firecracker. At this point, calling them ‘award-winning’ feels like an understatement, it’s more like award-collecting.

  • Five and thriving Shemaroo TV celebrates a half-decade of drama

    Five and thriving Shemaroo TV celebrates a half-decade of drama

    MUMBAI: It’s been five years since Shemaroo TV first switched on and it’s safe to say, they’ve kept the remote firmly in their audience’s hands. The Free-To-Air (FTA) channel has hit a milestone moment, celebrating half a decade of serving up a heady mix of myth, mayhem and middle-India masala to viewers across Bharat.

    In a television landscape where loyalty is rare and tastes are ever-shifting, Shemaroo TV has carved out a space of its own drawing in an annual audience of 296 million with a content cocktail that includes devotional sagas, crime capers and classic family drama. Whether you’re in for a morning dose of spiritual calm or a prime-time showdown, the channel has something for every generation under the roof.

    What sets Shemaroo apart is its smart straddle between rooted values and modern sensibilities. Its programming taps into nostalgia while staying fresh enough for a younger, evolving viewership. And its impact goes beyond metros, it has become a staple in rural and semi-urban homes, where FTA still rules the roost.

    Commenting on the milestone Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, CEO Hiren Gada says, “Shemaroo TV’s journey over the last five years has been nothing short of inspiring. We set out with the belief that audiences in India’s heartland seek content that resonates deeply with their culture, values, and aspirations. The remarkable growth in viewership and engagement validates that vision. We remain committed to curating content that entertains and brings families together.”

    Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd COO for Broadcast Business Sandeep Gupta adds, “Shemaroo TV has built a unique identity by staying true to its roots while constantly innovating. This success is not just about numbers; it’s about the millions of connections we’ve built across Bharat. Our thoughtfully curated content line up ensures every Indian home finds a story that becomes a part of their live from early morning spiritual seekers to prime-time drama enthusiasts. We are excited for the journey ahead and ready to scale even greater heights with the love and trust of our audience.”

    As Shemaroo TV enters year six, its playbook remains the same: tradition, emotion and wide appeal all packaged with consistency and heart. In an age of streaming binges and short attention spans, it turns out there’s still something timeless about stories that feel like home.

  • Star Utsav snatches crown from Dangal in FTA showdown

    Star Utsav snatches crown from Dangal in FTA showdown

    MUMBAI: Star Utsav has stormed back into the Free-to-Air (FTA) arena, snatching the No. 1 spot from long-time leader Dangal and catapulting itself to fourth place overall across the Hindi-speaking market, both pay and FTA, in urban and rural India.

    Having rejoined DD Free Dish on 1 April, Star Utsav wasted no time making its presence felt—reaching 111 million viewers within just 11 days of its comeback.  The channel says it managed to get 102 GRPs against Dangal’s 97 in BARC week 14 HSM U+R.

    With heavy-hitters like RadhaKrishn, Rabba Ve, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, the channel seems to have found its old rhythm and then some.

    “Star Utsav has risen to become the new  no1 FTA channel, ushering in a transformative era in Hindi entertainment. This is just the beginning of a revolution in FTA television, reshaping India’s viewing habits for the future,” said the network’s advertising sales team in a post on Linkedin.

    The timing couldn’t be better. With rising data costs, patchy rural internet, and pricey pay-TV packs, FTA TV is looking more attractive than ever. Add to that a boom in electrification and cheaper TV sets, and it’s a recipe for ratings gold.

    The return of legacy FTA giants—Star Utsav, Sony Pal, Colors Rishtey and Zee Anmol—has breathed new life into DD Free Dish, Prasar Bharati’s free DTH service. As per the FICCI-EY report, FTA homes are set to rise from 49 million in 2024 to 57 million by 2030. And with ad revenues already north of Rs 2,000 crore, there’s more than just eyeballs at stake.

    Star Utsav’s re-entry has shaken up the pecking order—and with more homes plugging in every year, the FTA slugfest has only just begun.

  • Star Utsav returns with a bang and 111 million hearts in just 11 days

    Star Utsav returns with a bang and 111 million hearts in just 11 days

    MUMBAI: Star Utsav has pulled off a prime-time power move, clocking a staggering 111 million viewers in just 11 days of its 1 April 2025 return to Free Dish, reclaiming its spot as India’s No. 1 Free-to-Air (FTA) channel. The comeback couldn’t have been scripted better driven by its beloved lineup of shows including RadhaKrishn, Rabba Ve, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein.

    The channel now proudly wears the crown of the top FTA network and sits as the 4th biggest channel overall in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) combining both Pay and FTA viewership across urban and rural audiences.

    “We are humbled by the overwhelming response received for Star Utsav. With our strong portfolio of professionally generated and brand-safe content, we are proud to bring families together through inspiring and entertaining stories. We are committed todelivering the best of entertainment to our audiences and look forward to continuing this incredible journey on DD Free Dish with even more compelling content and meaningful connections,” said a Star Utsav spokesperson.

    Star Utsav’s magic lies in its diverse mix from sweeping mythological epics to modern dramas, all deeply rooted in Indian ethos. These stories have once again proved their universal appeal, cutting across regions and age groups.

    As part of the JioStar family, Star Utsav continues to blend nostalgia and novelty reinforcing its treasured place in living rooms across the country. With storytelling that strikes an emotional chord, the channel’s FTA resurgence is not just a ratings win, it’s a cultural encore.

    Looks like India’s favourite Utsav is back, and this time, it’s festival season all year round.