Tag: RBNL

Big Ganga shows now available on ZEEL’s OZee

MUMBAI: Nowadays, a marketing strategy simply wouldn’t help a television channel succeed. It would need the right distribution strategy and a worthwhile social media presence.

Lately, almost all channels are extending their availability digitally. From linear feed on television to pick and choose (and pay) for select content on the go. Examples abound — Star group has a presence on Hotstar, Zee on ditto and Ozee, Sony Pictures Network on SonyLiv and Viacom18 on Voot.

Going with the flow, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) has now partnered with ZEEL’s VOD platform Ozee to expand the reach of its Bhojpuri regional channel, Big Ganga.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, RBNL CEO Tarun Katial said, “We are partnering with Ozee and deploying all the content to their platform. We are surprised of whatever happened on digital. On Youtube, a lot of our content is being watched. Our show ‘Birha Muqabla’ has crossed one lakh views on YouTube.”

Last year, ZEEL acquired the TV business of RBNL which includes two operational channels, one is Big Magic, a comedy channel that has now turned into a variety entertainment channel. On the other hand, there is Big Ganga, a Bhojpuri regional channel, which has also acquired four TV licences.

Also Read:

RBNL all set to relaunch Big Magic

Big Ganga strengthens weekend programming; four shows planned in Jan

Big Ganga available on Tata Sky now

February 25, 2017
RBNL all set to relaunch Big Magic

MUMBAI: Indeed, good decisions lead to great success. Getting into the stable of one of India’s leading media conglomerates has opened up several opportunities for Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL).

After the acquisition deal with ZEEL, RBNL is all set to relaunch its Hindi general entertainment channel, Big Magic with a new programming line-up in March.

ZEEL acquired the TV business of RBNL which includes two channels — Big Magic and Big Ganga. Big Magic, a comedy channel catering to the Hindi-speaking markets, has now been revamped into a variety entertainment channel. On the other hand, Big Ganga is a Bhojpuri entertainment channel which caters to the television audience of Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The channel has already started revamping the content and its latest offering ‘Akbar’ is a part of the new offering. The show aims to unravel the prodigious journey of the Mughal emperor right from the days of his childhood, and traces his path to the throne in a manner that has never been projected before, on Indian television.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, RBNL CEO Tarun Katial said, “We are prepared and gung-ho about relaunching Big Magic. Recently, we launched Akbar which is a historical show. Three-four big shows are in the pipeline for the relaunch.”

The channel is not only changing its programming but also expanding its time band. “We are making it wider and deeper as we are increasing the number of hours of programming. We will add variety to it,” he added.

Also Read:

Big Magic to air ‘Akbar’ from 20 Feb

BIG Magic acquires ‘Boonie Bears’ exclusive FTA rights

Big Magic launches ‘Big Mahotsav’ on 9 September

February 24, 2017
RBNL ex-CBO Khanchandani joins Arnab’s Republic

MUMBAI: : Vikas Khanchandani former RBNL chief business officer has joined Republic as the chief executive officer. With over two decades of working across ad sales, digital, television and media technology, Khanchandani will play an integral role to grow Republic as an independent media tech company.

Arnab Goswami has been recruiting for catalysts for his team who would make his new venture a comprehensive set up for the new media landscape. Republic will be an independent platform for journalists and content professionals. The venture aspires to create a movement that will put the power of journalism into the hands of the citizens, and will be India’s first footprint into global journalism.

Commenting on the same, Republic founder Arnab Goswami said, “We are delighted to welcome Vikas on board. He is a great leader and joins us with very strong industry experience across multimedia platforms. Together, we believe, we will create the No. 1 News Channel in India.’’

Khandchandani added, “I am looking forward to working with Republic as I believe in the core objective and vision of launching the first global independent media venture. I am certain we will change the media scenario in India”

Khanchandani is a senior media industry professional with nearly two decades of experience. After an initial stint of running his family business in Medium Enterprise Financing and Estate Management, he joined STAR TV as a key member of the Strategic Planning and Management team which worked on sales strategies for the entire bouquet of channels across multiple genres. After STAR TV, Khanchandani was part of the core leadership team which set up NDTV Media. As Senior Vice President – Advertising Sales in charge of the English and Hindi news channels of NDTV, he played an important role in helping the NDTV network optimally monetize its revenue potential. Apart from co-founding Aidem Ventures, he played the dual role of managing existing businesses of Aidem with his operational skills. For the next 5 years, he drove the various businesses with undying enthusiasm, raw energy and a keen sense of fair play and vision, expanding into Digital advertising in a major way.

January 20, 2017
RBNL ex-CBO Khanchandani joins Arnab’s Republic

MUMBAI: : Vikas Khanchandani former RBNL chief business officer has joined Republic as the chief executive officer. With over two decades of working across ad sales, digital, television and media technology, Khanchandani will play an integral role to grow Republic as an independent media tech company.

Arnab Goswami has been recruiting for catalysts for his team who would make his new venture a comprehensive set up for the new media landscape. Republic will be an independent platform for journalists and content professionals. The venture aspires to create a movement that will put the power of journalism into the hands of the citizens, and will be India’s first footprint into global journalism.

Commenting on the same, Republic founder Arnab Goswami said, “We are delighted to welcome Vikas on board. He is a great leader and joins us with very strong industry experience across multimedia platforms. Together, we believe, we will create the No. 1 News Channel in India.’’

Khandchandani added, “I am looking forward to working with Republic as I believe in the core objective and vision of launching the first global independent media venture. I am certain we will change the media scenario in India”

Khanchandani is a senior media industry professional with nearly two decades of experience. After an initial stint of running his family business in Medium Enterprise Financing and Estate Management, he joined STAR TV as a key member of the Strategic Planning and Management team which worked on sales strategies for the entire bouquet of channels across multiple genres. After STAR TV, Khanchandani was part of the core leadership team which set up NDTV Media. As Senior Vice President – Advertising Sales in charge of the English and Hindi news channels of NDTV, he played an important role in helping the NDTV network optimally monetize its revenue potential. Apart from co-founding Aidem Ventures, he played the dual role of managing existing businesses of Aidem with his operational skills. For the next 5 years, he drove the various businesses with undying enthusiasm, raw energy and a keen sense of fair play and vision, expanding into Digital advertising in a major way.

January 20, 2017
Big FM, India Today deals: Zee Media seeks shareholder nod for loans

BENGALURU: Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) has sought public shareholder approval for special resolutions by postal ballot /e-voting process for authorizing the board to borrow moneys in excess of the paid-up share capital and free reserves of the company up to Rs. 3,000 crore.

The funds will be utilised to acquire by way of subscription, purchase or otherwise the securities of, Today Merchandise Pvt Ltd (TMPL), Today Retail Network Pvt Ltd (TRNPL), Vrushvik Entertainment Pvt Ltd (VEPL) and Azalia Media Services Pvt Ltd (ASMPL), the current and/or future subsidiary(ies) and/or associate(s) of the company, subject to the condition that the aggregate of principal amount of such loan and/or value of such investment and/or principal amount secured by such guarantee/security shall not exceed an amount of Rs. 3,000 crores at any point in time.

VEPL and ASMPL are the two companies to which Reliance ADA will transfer its radio and television business to. Both – ZMCL and Reliance ADA have the option to acquire the balance 51 stakes in VEPL and ASMPL. Both TRNPL and TMPL are loss making companies of the India Today group’s Living Media India Limited (LMIL) that have been developing infrastructure for TV shopping and eCommerce businesses to compliment its TV shopping business.

As mentioned earlier, the ZMCL board had earlier approved acquisition of 49 per cent stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the radio broadcasting business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL), part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA group. This will give Zee access to 45 running FM radio channels, apart from 14 other licences. The two Essel group companies – ZMCL and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) were to pick up stakes in Reliance ADA’s FM radio business and two television channels respectively. Business Standard had valued the radio business 49 percent stake transaction at Rs 1,592 crore.

Earlier, in February this year, the ZMCL board had approved in-principle, acquisition of 80 per cent equity stake by the company in both TMPL and TRNL.

Among other resolutions, ZMCL has also asked its public investors to vote for resolutions that allow it to borrow money from its promoter entity Arm Infra & Utilities Pvt Ltd to the extent of Rs 500 crore.

The voting period will commence on and from 23 December 2016 at 9.00 a.m. and end on 21 January 2017 at 5.00 p.m. Shareholders can opt for only one mode of voting i.e. either by postal ballot or e-voting. In case any shareholder casts the vote(s) through both the modes, voting done by e-voting shall prevail and votes cast through postal ballot will be treated as invalid.

December 23, 2016
Big FM, India Today deals: Zee Media seeks shareholder nod for loans

BENGALURU: Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) has sought public shareholder approval for special resolutions by postal ballot /e-voting process for authorizing the board to borrow moneys in excess of the paid-up share capital and free reserves of the company up to Rs. 3,000 crore.

The funds will be utilised to acquire by way of subscription, purchase or otherwise the securities of, Today Merchandise Pvt Ltd (TMPL), Today Retail Network Pvt Ltd (TRNPL), Vrushvik Entertainment Pvt Ltd (VEPL) and Azalia Media Services Pvt Ltd (ASMPL), the current and/or future subsidiary(ies) and/or associate(s) of the company, subject to the condition that the aggregate of principal amount of such loan and/or value of such investment and/or principal amount secured by such guarantee/security shall not exceed an amount of Rs. 3,000 crores at any point in time.

VEPL and ASMPL are the two companies to which Reliance ADA will transfer its radio and television business to. Both – ZMCL and Reliance ADA have the option to acquire the balance 51 stakes in VEPL and ASMPL. Both TRNPL and TMPL are loss making companies of the India Today group’s Living Media India Limited (LMIL) that have been developing infrastructure for TV shopping and eCommerce businesses to compliment its TV shopping business.

As mentioned earlier, the ZMCL board had earlier approved acquisition of 49 per cent stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the radio broadcasting business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL), part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA group. This will give Zee access to 45 running FM radio channels, apart from 14 other licences. The two Essel group companies – ZMCL and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) were to pick up stakes in Reliance ADA’s FM radio business and two television channels respectively. Business Standard had valued the radio business 49 percent stake transaction at Rs 1,592 crore.

Earlier, in February this year, the ZMCL board had approved in-principle, acquisition of 80 per cent equity stake by the company in both TMPL and TRNL.

Among other resolutions, ZMCL has also asked its public investors to vote for resolutions that allow it to borrow money from its promoter entity Arm Infra & Utilities Pvt Ltd to the extent of Rs 500 crore.

The voting period will commence on and from 23 December 2016 at 9.00 a.m. and end on 21 January 2017 at 5.00 p.m. Shareholders can opt for only one mode of voting i.e. either by postal ballot or e-voting. In case any shareholder casts the vote(s) through both the modes, voting done by e-voting shall prevail and votes cast through postal ballot will be treated as invalid.

December 23, 2016
ZEEL to acquire Reliance entertainment TV business

MUMBAI: After selling its sports telecast business to Sony, the Subhash Chandra-led Zee group is on an acquisition spree. Two separate developments today saw Zee, through two different corporate entities, take full control of the general entertainment TV business and 49 per cent stake in the radio business of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA group.

With these developments, speculation too has been proved correct that Anil Ambani’s Reliance is fast reducing its exposure in the media sector. Some other group companies of Ambani also control a DTH operation run under the brand name Reliance BIG TV. Reliance Capital informed the stock exchanges that by shedding its radio and TV assets it will reduce its debt by approximately Rs. 1,900 crore (US$ 283 million) upon final completion of stake sale transactions.

The board of directors of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) today approved the acquisition of the general entertainment broadcasting business of Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited, Big Magic Limited and Azalia Broadcast Private Limited, all part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group Entities.

The acquisition has been facilitated through a scheme of demerger and execution of definitive agreements in relation to such proposed acquisition. The general entertainment TV broadcasting business undertaking, along with its assets, liabilities, licenses, trademarks etc., shall get demerged from BIG Magic Ltd, Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Ltd and Azalia Broadcast Private Ltd into ZEEL through a court-approved scheme.

The TV broadcasting business of Reliance Group entities currently comprises two operational general entertainment channels — Hindi comedy channel BIG Magic and Bhojpuri-language GEC BIG Ganga — and four other TV licenses.

ZEEL MD & CEO Punit Goenka, in a statement said, “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which further adds to our expanding universe of general entertainment channels. BIG Magic gives us access to comedy genre enhancing our customer offerings. BIG Ganga syncs with our strategy of expanding into the regional markets, which offer attractive growth potential.”

According to Reliance Capital ED and Group CEO Sam Ghosh, “We are happy to divest 100 per cent of our general entertainment TV business to Zee Entertainment. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital.”

The final acquisitions are subject to regulatory approvals and could take a year to be completed.

November 23, 2016
ZEEL to acquire Reliance entertainment TV business

MUMBAI: After selling its sports telecast business to Sony, the Subhash Chandra-led Zee group is on an acquisition spree. Two separate developments today saw Zee, through two different corporate entities, take full control of the general entertainment TV business and 49 per cent stake in the radio business of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA group.

With these developments, speculation too has been proved correct that Anil Ambani’s Reliance is fast reducing its exposure in the media sector. Some other group companies of Ambani also control a DTH operation run under the brand name Reliance BIG TV. Reliance Capital informed the stock exchanges that by shedding its radio and TV assets it will reduce its debt by approximately Rs. 1,900 crore (US$ 283 million) upon final completion of stake sale transactions.

The board of directors of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) today approved the acquisition of the general entertainment broadcasting business of Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited, Big Magic Limited and Azalia Broadcast Private Limited, all part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group Entities.

The acquisition has been facilitated through a scheme of demerger and execution of definitive agreements in relation to such proposed acquisition. The general entertainment TV broadcasting business undertaking, along with its assets, liabilities, licenses, trademarks etc., shall get demerged from BIG Magic Ltd, Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Ltd and Azalia Broadcast Private Ltd into ZEEL through a court-approved scheme.

The TV broadcasting business of Reliance Group entities currently comprises two operational general entertainment channels — Hindi comedy channel BIG Magic and Bhojpuri-language GEC BIG Ganga — and four other TV licenses.

ZEEL MD & CEO Punit Goenka, in a statement said, “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which further adds to our expanding universe of general entertainment channels. BIG Magic gives us access to comedy genre enhancing our customer offerings. BIG Ganga syncs with our strategy of expanding into the regional markets, which offer attractive growth potential.”

According to Reliance Capital ED and Group CEO Sam Ghosh, “We are happy to divest 100 per cent of our general entertainment TV business to Zee Entertainment. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital.”

The final acquisitions are subject to regulatory approvals and could take a year to be completed.

November 23, 2016
Zee non-committal to BSE on RBNL acquisition report

MUMBAI: During a period when big-time mergers and acquisitions are popping out of the cupboard while others are being fine-tuned, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) is not willing to confirm or deny that it’s buying Reliance Broadcast’s businesses. At least, for now.

In response to a news report appearing in a business daily on 13 October, ZEEL gave a non-committal response to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) yesterday. The company statement said, “We, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, wish to clarify that the said report/article is only a media speculation. As a company, we keep exploring options from time to time and will inform the Exchanges, media and shareholders, if, and as and when, any such decision(s) are reached.”

The clarification given to BSE is purely non-committal corporate-speak as Zee neither denied the news report, nor confirmed it.

However, the business daily report on 13 October, 2016 emphasised that “it was done deal” and went ahead to even state that the deal was worth around Rs 18,720 million for the radio and television business owned by Reliance.

The ZEEL share, which closed on the BSE at Rs. 546.55 on Oct 13, opened the next day at Rs.550.75 to close lower at R. 528.50 on 14 October, 2016.

Speculation about the Subhash Chandra-led ZEEL buying Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Broadcast Networks Ltd (RBNL) has been making rounds of financial markets and journalistic circles for some time now. Media reports had earlier stated that the ZEEL-RBNL deal has been a case of on-now-off-tomorrow.

Indiantelevision.com, while reporting on the issue on 5 October, 2016, had sought clarification from ZEEL spokesperson who had then stated, “From time to time, we keep exploring strategic opportunities for entering new businesses or in our existing businesses. However, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on media speculation.”

The corporate response to media queries from Zee has been similar even when deals — TEN Sports sale to Sony Pictures Network India, for example — were confirmed later and formally announced. When speculation about Siti Cable buying DEN Networks gathered steam, a similar line was thrown. Ditto was the response with Dish TV’s ongoing discussions to acquire Videocon d2h from the debt-laden-and struggling Videocon group.

Acquiring RBNL businesses, which include Bhojpuri language channel BIG Ganga, a comedy-centric BIG Magic and a successful FM radio business, can certainly add to Zee’s portfolio of entertainment verticals.

Overall, the media industry may be ripe for consolidation; especially at a time when the regulator too is trying to bring about more order and transparency in the Indian broadcast sector via its draft guidelines.

ALSO READ:

Quo Vadis ZEEL-RBNL

Sony Pictures to acquire Ten Sports from Zee

October 15, 2016
Zee non-committal to BSE on RBNL acquisition report

MUMBAI: During a period when big-time mergers and acquisitions are popping out of the cupboard while others are being fine-tuned, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) is not willing to confirm or deny that it’s buying Reliance Broadcast’s businesses. At least, for now.

In response to a news report appearing in a business daily on 13 October, ZEEL gave a non-committal response to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) yesterday. The company statement said, “We, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, wish to clarify that the said report/article is only a media speculation. As a company, we keep exploring options from time to time and will inform the Exchanges, media and shareholders, if, and as and when, any such decision(s) are reached.”

The clarification given to BSE is purely non-committal corporate-speak as Zee neither denied the news report, nor confirmed it.

However, the business daily report on 13 October, 2016 emphasised that “it was done deal” and went ahead to even state that the deal was worth around Rs 18,720 million for the radio and television business owned by Reliance.

The ZEEL share, which closed on the BSE at Rs. 546.55 on Oct 13, opened the next day at Rs.550.75 to close lower at R. 528.50 on 14 October, 2016.

Speculation about the Subhash Chandra-led ZEEL buying Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Broadcast Networks Ltd (RBNL) has been making rounds of financial markets and journalistic circles for some time now. Media reports had earlier stated that the ZEEL-RBNL deal has been a case of on-now-off-tomorrow.

Indiantelevision.com, while reporting on the issue on 5 October, 2016, had sought clarification from ZEEL spokesperson who had then stated, “From time to time, we keep exploring strategic opportunities for entering new businesses or in our existing businesses. However, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on media speculation.”

The corporate response to media queries from Zee has been similar even when deals — TEN Sports sale to Sony Pictures Network India, for example — were confirmed later and formally announced. When speculation about Siti Cable buying DEN Networks gathered steam, a similar line was thrown. Ditto was the response with Dish TV’s ongoing discussions to acquire Videocon d2h from the debt-laden-and struggling Videocon group.

Acquiring RBNL businesses, which include Bhojpuri language channel BIG Ganga, a comedy-centric BIG Magic and a successful FM radio business, can certainly add to Zee’s portfolio of entertainment verticals.

Overall, the media industry may be ripe for consolidation; especially at a time when the regulator too is trying to bring about more order and transparency in the Indian broadcast sector via its draft guidelines.

ALSO READ:

Quo Vadis ZEEL-RBNL

Sony Pictures to acquire Ten Sports from Zee

October 15, 2016