ITV

Tag: Punit Goenka

  • Zee TV new logo unveiled; refreshed digital platform Zee5 launch soon

    Zee TV new logo unveiled; refreshed digital platform Zee5 launch soon

    MUMBAI: Celebrating its silver jubilee at a grand event here on Saturday, India’s first private satellite TV channel, Zee TV, unveiled a new logo aimed at representing its journey for the next 25 years, while its parent Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) used the occasion to also showcase the logo of its new digital platform Zee5, which is to be launched over the next few weeks.

    Speaking during the Zee Rishtey Award, organised on Saturday and telecast on Sunday that was attended by the company bigwigs, television stars and a “3,400-strong Zee family”, ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka said that not only Zee was the world’s “biggest joint family”, but is committed to keep entertaining and innovating over the next 25 years also, which is reflected in the new channel logo (tagline being `aaj likhenge kal’ or ‘we’ll write our future today’).

    The stage was perfect to unveil a teaser of Zee group’s soon-to-be-launched new digital platform in the form of its logo. The OTT service, to be called Zee5, is a completely refreshed version of the group’s existing digital services and will ultimately subsume with itself the likes of dittoTv and Ozee. Incidentally, the digital platform logo was dedicated to Zee group chairman- founder-promoter and media baron-turned-Member of Parliament Subhash Chandra.

    “The new identity (of Zee TV) is not an evolution, but a revolution of the belief of being stronger as one family. The new colour of the logo is a sign of transformation,” Goenka was quoted by Zee sibling and newspaper DNA as saying, adding, “Over the next few weeks, we will see the rollout of Zee5 across India and other global markets.”

    ZEEL is a worldwide media brand offering entertainment and news content to diverse audiences. With a presence in over 172 countries and a reach of more than a billion people around the globe connecting in 19 languages, it is among the largest global content companies across genres, languages, and platforms, spanning presence across broadcasting, movies, music, live entertainment, digital and talent businesses.

    Holding forth further on Zee5, DNA quotes Goenka (Chandra’s eldest son) as saying, “Zee5 is poised to be the largest digital platform for Indian entertainment in the world, bringing the best of live television, Indian and international TV shows, movies and videos to viewers in the language of their choice and across all internet connected devices.”

    According to ZEEL CEO, international broadcast business Amit Goenka, “I see excitement in the air. We are progressing towards a new global destination. Zee5 is a digital platform that is born out of passion to create something new for the industry, and we are going to create a new history in the coming 25 years.”

    Meanwhile, Chandra tweeted two photos on Saturday from the 25th birthday bash of Zee with the message: “Then: Interacting with my colleagues when we completed 150 days. And Now: Interacting with colleagues tonight while we celebrate 25 years.” Incidentally, Chandra is one of those few businesspeople in the world who, as a local partner, managed to buyout Rupert Murdoch in three joint ventures in a cash and stock deal.

    Speaking on the occasion, Chandra, in what could be a direction to colleagues now managing the affairs of ZEEL, said, “We have to keep going, as it is not written in our fate to stop.”

    “I remember when we celebrated the first anniversary of Zee TV back in 1993. I had only 50 people (around) those days, and today, in 2017, we have more than 3,000 individuals who are a part of Zee. I believe that human resource is the biggest infrastructure that one has, and that is one of the biggest plus points for our nation,” he reminisced.

    public://PG Announcing Zee TV Logo2.jpg

    Over the last 18 months, ZEE has been restructuring its business portfolio shedding unattractive properties like the sports channels, which was sold to Sony Pictures Networks India, and buying GEC channels of Reliance Broadcast as also FM radio channels to expand reach and business that add value to its core value as a corporate entity.

    public://SC at Zee bash-Then and Now.png

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  • ZEEL acquires 9X Media for Rs 1.6 bn

    ZEEL acquires 9X Media for Rs 1.6 bn

    MUMBAI: Rumours around this acquistion have been doing the rounds for sometime. And they were denied for reasons of corporate and stock market compliance. But now  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has finally announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire  the Pradeep Guha-headed 9X Media and its subsidiaries from private equity firm New Silk Route and other shareholders for an all cash consideration of Rs. 1,600 million.

    9X Media, along with its subsidiaries, operates a bouquet of six music channels – 9XM (Latest Bollywood), 9X Jalwa (Evergreen Hindi), 9X Jhakaas (Marathi), 9X Tashan (Punjabi), 9XO (English), 9X Bajao (Hindi Classics). 

    On completion of the acquisition, these channels will be added to ZEEL’s current portfolio of 33 channels. The acquisition is in line with the company’s strategy to cater to a diverse audience by offering targeted products. Besides significantly expanding its Hindi music portfolio, it gives ZEEL access to the regional music genre. It also increases its regional footprint with foray into the Punjabi market. 

    9X Media’s bouquet of channels has established a strong viewership on the back of the unique brand identity created over the years. In addition to strengthening ZEEL’s television bouquet, these channels will complement the music label and movie production businesses. 9X Media’s popular Bollywood news portal, SpotboyE, will also be a part of the transaction. The Company is confident of utilizing network synergies to bring down the costs and significantly improve the profitability of these channels.

    ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka said, “Continuing with our strategy of expanding into regional markets and niche genres, we are pleased to announce this acquisition which strengthens our music portfolio. Music is an integral component of consumer’s entertainment pie and we will offer our consumers a wider array of choices through these channels. 9X channels enjoy leading market shares in their respective segments and will benefit immensely from our network’s strength to achieve higher growth potential and cost synergies. I am confident that these channels will make our entertainment bouquet even more compelling for the audience.”

  • Zee Studios to produce Indian shows’ adaptation in Canada

    Zee Studios to produce Indian shows’ adaptation in Canada

    MUMBAI: Entertaining the world for over two decades, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian broadcaster to set up a production company in Canada.

    A few of the initial productions that are in the pipeline include adaptations of the smash-hit format of ZEE’s homegrown sitcom, ‘Hum Paanch’ which is being produced in its British version as ‘Lala’s Ladiez’ and an Anglo-Spanish sitcom ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ (working title) which is adapted from the ever-popular home grown format ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain.’

    ZEE Studios International marks ZEE’s entry into global production for mainstream audiences which will facilitate production requirement for ZEE’s diverse platforms as well as international markets. The production company, located at Vancouver, British Columbia, will be headed by Subhadarshi Tripathy who will be supported by a local team.

    Tripathy will jointly report to ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka, and CEO – international broadcast Business Amit Goenka.

    Amit Goenka said, “Canada is known as a large production hub for various Hollywood companies, as the country offers the requisite infrastructure, talent pool, scenic locales as well as a favourable Government incentive scheme. After a series of discussions with the Government of British Columbia, Canada, we were invited to set up a production company in Vancouver. Our endeavor through this venture is to produce global content for mainstream audiences across various international markets as well as take care of our domestic requirements.”

    “ZEE Studios International will be headed by Subhadarshi Tripathy who has been with the organisation for over 18 years and has championed several of our leading brands,” Goenka added.

    “I’m pleased to welcome Zee Studios International to British Columbia,” the premier John Horgan said. “This new production company will create jobs and opportunity for people, and showcase our province to audiences around the world. B.C. is a global leader in film and television production, and we’re pleased to see that growth continue with the addition of Zee Studios International.”

    ZEE Studios International will create global content and formats for international markets in their local languages, many of which will be based on successful Indian ideas and concepts. The production company will initially focus on developing content for television and digital platforms as well as original formats and homegrown remakes, with a plan to venture into film production at a later stage.

    The content developed will encompass a wide portfolio of ingenuously developed scripted and unscripted formats across an array of genres, ranging from reality, game and dance shows to shows in the fictional crime drama, sitcom, sci-fi, horror and paranormal space.

  • ZEEL CEO Punit Goenka motivates youth, honours his one-millionth Twitter follower and family

    ZEEL CEO Punit Goenka motivates youth, honours his one-millionth Twitter follower and family

    MUMBAI: One of the leading traditional Indian broadcasters ZEEL acknowledges and recognises the importance of new media. It has kept its promise with India’s social media enthusiasts and followers, and honoured them.

    On touching the momentous milestone of ‘One Million Followers’ on Twitter, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) MD and CEO Punit Goenka surprised his one-millionth follower, Manjiri Sonar by inviting her to his office in Mumbai for an exclusive interaction. 

    Sonar, who is a resident of Pune, was driven across to Mumbai, along with her family, in a chauffeur-driven luxury car. Goenka then spent some quality moments with her and family, exchanging thoughts and interests. 

    Expressing her delight, Sonar said, “I feel extremely privileged to be the chosen one to meet and greet with Punit Goenka as his one millionth Twitter follower. It was overwhelming to know that such a successful business leader like Goenka chose to celebrate this milestone with a commoner. I can’t thank him enough to host me and my family in such a grand manner in his office. I was completely awestruck by his simplicity and greatness. His journey to success is an inspiration for me and many others, as I am just stepping into my career.”

    Sharing his experience, Goenka said, “It was a pleasure meeting my one-millionth follower, Manjiri Sonar. This is the least that I can do for my followers. Wish I could do this with all of them. While it’s always a pleasure to interact with them on Twitter, this time, thought I must meet and interact in person. As senior leaders of the industry, we must motivate the youth because that’s the future of our country.”

    Sonar, an aspiring business professional recently graduated with an MBA in HR from Pune University. Even though she joined Twitter in 2015, she recently became active and is more than happy with her 100 followers, and doesn’t call herself a ‘Twitterazzi’. As an aspiring professional, she sees Twitter as a great platform to follow successful personalities and to learn from them. Manjiri and her family are big fans of Dr. Subhash Chandra and they follow his show on TV. 

    During the meeting, Goenka shared his life lessons with Sonar. He also presented her with a personalised signed copy of the much celebrated autobiography – ‘The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time’ of Dr. Subhash Chandra, Rajya Sabha MP, and ZEE and Essel Group chairman.

  • Punit Goenka re-elected IBF president

    Punit Goenka re-elected IBF president

    MUMBAI: The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has re-elected Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited managing director Punit Goenka as the president for the second consecutive year.

    The IBF board members also elected K. Madhavan (Asianet Communications), N. P. Singh (Sony Pictures Network), Rajat Sharma (India TV) and Sudhanshu Vats (Viacom 18 India) as vice-presidents of the foundation for the second consecutive term.

    Aroon Purie has been elected as the treasurer of the foundation. The board also co-opted Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi S. Vempati as the director on the board.

    The new president Punit Goenka said, “This places a huge responsibility on my shoulders to steer the sector through challenges and complexities. I look forward to the support of each and everyone in the fraternity to collaborate with the government and other regulatory bodies to provide an enabling environment to conduct our businesses in a transparent and goal centric manner linking it inextricably to the India’s media and entertainment sector growth story.”

  • BARC India now a case study on TV audience data at IIM Calcutta

    MUMBAI: India’s one of the premier management institute IIM Calcutta has developed a a case study on the TV viewership system in India. The case study traces the history of Television Viewership Measurement, leading up to the setting up of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.

    The case study is based on an in-depth research done by IIM Calcutta faculty team of professors — Prashant Mishra and Chandradeep (CD) Mitra, which included interviews with former BARC India chairman and ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka, BARC India board member and GroupM CEO South Asia CVL Srinivas, Lodestar UM CEO Shashi Sinha, Marico MD & CEO Saugata Gupta, FCB Ulka Advertising Former ED & CEO Ambi Parameswaran, BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta, and BARC India CBO Romil Ramgarhia, among other.

    The case study on BARC India is aimed at helping participants of various IIM Calcutta academic programmes, as well as students of other institutes, to hone their concepts learnt in marketing, media, organisational strategy & finance courses based on recent real–life developments in the Indian media industry.

    As a prelude to launch of the case study, BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta (who is also an IIM Calcutta alumnus), participated in an open house session at the institute to analyse the case study. The discussion was attended by Prof Mishra, professor of marketing at IIM Calcutta; Prof. Chandradeep (CD) Mitra, visiting professor of marketing at IIM Calcutta and the 161 students who have enrolled for the course “Sports, Entertainment & Media Marketing” designed by Prof. Mitra.

    The case study will delve into the unique structure, financing model, state-of-the-art technologies and the multi-vendor construct of BARC India’s TV viewership measurement system, enabling it to become one of the most sophisticated and reliable TV measurement systems in the world.

    “Piloting a case study before its final publication is a format where the protagonist himself meets the students, and the interaction allows the case to be further refined before its final publication. This is an acceptable methodology globally and we are pleased to introduce the same in India,” said Prof. Mitra.

    Prof Mishra added, “BARC India’s success in designing and developing the meters is one of the finest examples of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and we’re extremely pleased to introduce a case on the company in our curriculum.”

    “I had a great time sharing BARC India’s journey with students of IIM Calcutta. Giving them insights about our genesis, our greatest challenges, how we overcame it and what the future holds for us was exciting,” said Partho Dasgupta.

  • ZEEL reports steady Q1 FY2018 results

    MUMBAI: It’s been a hectic first quarter of FY 2018 for homegrown media power house — the Essel Group promoted Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel). The company has gone ahead for some corporate restructuring and has also declared its Q1FY2018  financials which, if not impressive, at least deserve a pat on the back, at a time when industry is coping with the GST transformation that the government has imposed on the industry.

    First, on to the financials. Q1 2018.

    On a consolidated basis, Zeel has notched up total revenues of Rs 1540.3 crore (Rs 15.4 billion),  an EBITDA of Rs 484.4 crore (31.4 per cent margin) and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 251.6 crore (16.3 per cent margin).

    Advertising revenues for Q1 FY2018 are at Rs 966.5 crore (Rs 9.67 billion), which after adjustment for the acquisition of Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) and the sale of its sports business to Sony Pictures Networks India, was at Rs 868.8 crore.

    Its international advertising revenue was at Rs 57.8 crore for the quarter.

    Subscription revenues for Q1 2018 were at  a healthy Rs 479.1 crore. Domestic revenue from subscription grew a healthy 14.5 per cent to Rs 378.88 crore – showing that the network is starting to bear the fruits of the government-backed Indian television industry’s digitization drive. International subscription revenues were at Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion).  Overall, its international revenues (excluding sports business) were at Rs 194.7 crore, including other sales and services of Rs 36.9 crore.  The adverse impact of currency appreciation and region-specific issues have contributed to the decline in revenues, says a Zeel press release.

    Qualifying Zeel’s performance managing director & CEO Punit Goenka said: “It was yet another satisfying quarter with a strong financial and operating performance. During the quarter, we recovered from the impact of demonetization and the growth in the first two months was strong. However, the momentum was disrupted in June in the run-up to GST implementation. The advertisers reduced ad spends on existing brands and launched fewer products as distribution chain was not fully prepared for seamless transition to the new regime. Despite the challenge, our domestic ad revenue grew by 7%. Notwithstanding the short-term impact, we believe that GST will aid the advertising spends in the long-run.”

    Zeel completed the acquisition of the remainder 49 per cent equity stake in Indiaweb Portal which runs a clutch of online sites, apart from Fly By Wire International Pvt Ltd post 30 June 2017. Both have become wholly owned subsidiaries.

    Goenka says the acquisition of India Webportal “which is the third ranked online content publisher in the country, gives us an opportunity to reach and understand digital consumers through its various offerings. The acquisition is part of our strategy to strengthen the digital presence. It operates a suite of websites focusing on different genres including news, sports and entertainment.”

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  • ZEEL elevates Atul Das as president – affiliate rev & dist

    ZEEL elevates Atul Das as president – affiliate rev & dist

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced the appointment of Atul Das as president – affiliate revenues and distribution.

    Appointed with effect from 1 July, Das will report to ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka. With more than 24 years of corporate experience, Das is a senior business leader with strong insights on the Media & Entertainment industry.

    Prior to this appointment, Das led a broad portfolio of responsibilities at ZEE across key business functions including revenues, general management, P&L management, corporate strategy, finance, business development, team leadership, marketing and communications.

    Earlier, Das led the corporate strategy of the media business in his role as the chief strategy officer of Zee, where he was responsible for developing and executing the strategy as a member of the executive leadership team.

    With a strong track record of initiating new growth opportunities within the Indian broadcast media, DTH and cable space, he established key strategic partnerships and managed subscription joint venture Mediapro as a board member. Das had led dynamic teams across functions including nurturing start-up businesses successfully to leadership positions, building consumer brand equity while creating shareholder value.

  • Taj TV sale proceeds more than double Zeel income

    BENGALURU: Subhash Chandra’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) reported more than double (2.36 times) consolidated total comprehensive income (TCI)for the year ended 31 March 2017 (FY-17, current year) as compared to the previous year. Zeel’s consolidated TCI of Rs 2,112.28 in FY-17 (as compared to TCI of Rs 892.68 crore in fiscal 2016) was padded up to an extent of Rs 1,223.34 crore by the slump sale/transfer of its sports business along with its entire stake in– Taj Television (India) Pvt. Ltd. Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) for FY-17 stood at Rs 19,26.9 crore registering a growth of 27.3 percent over FY16. EBITDA margin stood at 29.9 percent.

    The company’s revenue (Total Income from operations – TIO) for the current year increased 10.8 percent to Rs 6,658.17 crore as compared to Rs 6007.67 crore in the previous year. Advertisement revenue in FY-17 was Rs 3,673.5 crore, recording a growth of 9.2 percent over FY16.

    Subscription revenue for FY17 was Rs 2262.9 crore, growth of 10.0 percent over FY16. Domestic subscription revenue grew by 11.2 percent to Rs 1822.6 crore. On a comparable basis, adjusted for sale of sports, the domestic subscription growth was 13.5 percent. International subscription revenue grew by 3.0 percent to Rs 440.3 crore.

    Company speak

    Zeel chairman Chandra said, “The Indian economy has exhibited strong resilience with GDP growth of 7 percent in Q3-17 despite demonetization of high value currency. Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) would unify India into one market. This along with other reforms and push on infrastructure would accelerate growth from already healthy levels. A normal monsoon as forecasted by IMD could give a fillip to rural consumption.”

    Zeel managing director and CEO Punit Goenka said, “We are happy to deliver yet another quarter of strong financial performance despite the difficult economic environment. Our domestic advertising revenue grew by 8.1 percent despite the impact of demonetization. After a couple of quarters of weakness, advertising growth appears to be back on track. The GST roll-out could boost advertising spends as a part of potential tax savings might be reinvested. While there is uncertainty regarding the implementation of the new tariff regulation due to pending litigations, we have published the prices of our channels and bouquets. We are confident that with the strong competitive position of our channels in every genre, we will be able to drive subscription business.

    We have completed the first phase of sale of sports business during the quarter. While this had an impact on revenues, our focus is to strengthen national and regional channel portfolio, along with growing new businesses. We are exploring ways to extinguish preference share liability using the proceeds from the sale of sports business.”