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Tag: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd

  • Zee Entertainment & private satellite TV mark 32 years of entertainment

    Zee Entertainment & private satellite TV mark 32 years of entertainment

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) and the private satellite television industry celebrate 32 years of entertainment, contributing to the Rs 2 trillion M&E sector.

    Over the years, Zee has delivered quality entertainment across platforms, reaching over a billion viewers globally. As India’s top home-grown entertainment company, Zee continues to showcase the cultural essence of Bharat through diverse content. From its inception to its presence in broadcast, digital entertainment, movies, and music, Zee has consistently evolved with industry changes.

    Marking the occasion, MD & CEO Punit Goenka acknowledged the efforts behind Zee’s success, highlighting its focus on profitability, business performance, and growth opportunities for the future.

    Speaking to the employees on this momentous milestone, Goenka said, “This day is much more than a milestone for us. It is a recognition of our hard work, success and learnings over the last 32 years. We have faced challenges together, celebrated wins together and grown into one of the most respected names in the industry together. Over the next 32 years, I envision Zee to emerge as a beacon of hope and change for society. I see the company delivering on its commitment of driving societal progress through  entertainment experiences and realizing our vision of bringing about a positive change in  people’s lives through purposeful entertainment.”

    Amid the evolving industry, Zee has stayed at the forefront by swiftly adapting to changes. The company continues to take strategic actions focused on frugality, optimization, and quality content to enhance performance and returns, as outlined by MD & CEO Punit Goenka. These steps are yielding positive results as Zee targets future growth.

    Zee remains committed to delivering stronger performance, redefining entertainment across screens, and generating long-term value for stakeholders.

  • ZEE and Birla Opus Paints unveil content integration across diverse markets

    ZEE and Birla Opus Paints unveil content integration across diverse markets

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment has announced a partnership with Birla Opus Paints, marking a key deal in the Indian media and advertising space. Birla Opus Paints, a new player in the paints industry, is focused on building a strong brand presence across various markets. ZEE Network, with its wide reach in India and globally, offers the brand a platform to connect with its target audience.

    Birla Opus Paints has come on board as the co-title sponsor for ZEE’s flagship singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa across Hindi, Telugu and as a co-powered sponsor in Tamil – further expanding its footprint across multiple regions. The collaboration goes beyond traditional sponsorships, as ZEE’s sales and brand integration teams have devised a unique and creative set of brand placements within Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In line with the Opus brand’s creative ethos, ZEE has executed a unique network-wide innovation that cuts across both GECs and movie channels, ensuring that the brand’s presence is impactful and widely recognised.

    ZEEL chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal shared his excitement about the partnership: “Partnering with Birla Opus Paints, one of the most anticipated new entrants in the market, has been an incredible opportunity. With Birla Opus Paints joining us as the co-title sponsor on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa across Hindi and regional markets, we are amplifying their brand visibility with our initiatives. We’ve pushed the boundaries of creativity with a unique innovation, integrating their mascot into our content across multiple languages, ensuring that the brand’s presence is not only visible, but unforgettable. We look forward to collaborating with them in the future as well and hope the brand rises and shines.”

    ZEE CMO Kartik Mahadev emphasised the power of content in driving brand narratives: “At ZEE, we believe that content has the ability to create meaningful connections between brands and their consumers. Our partnership with Birla Opus Paints is a testament to this belief. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa connects cultures through the power of music with its presence across 8 language markets. By seamlessly incorporating engaging touchpoints on our iconic singing reality show, we’ve crafted a richer brand experience for Birla Opus across markets. We’re excited to collaborate with a brand that shares our vision for innovation and storytelling.”

    Birla Opus Paints CMO Inderpreet Singh spoke on the strategic importance of this partnership: “Birla Opus Paints wants to add beauty & colour to life of every Indian. ZEE Network, with its unmatched reach and content innovation, is a perfect partner to create meaningful connections with our consumers.”

    Speaking on the collaboration, Wavemaker India chief client officer & office head – West, North & East, Shekhar Banerjee said, “At Wavemaker, our commitment is to forge distinctive brand experiences for Birla Opus Paints and we’ve crafted something truly special in partnership with Zee Network. We thank Zee Network for breaking some well-established norms of television to create a partnership that delivers beyond standard sponsorship and also leverages their diverse portfolio of channels. This collaboration is the result of dynamic creative synergy, meticulously designed to be impactful and resonate deeply with our audience, ensuring Birla Opus achieves the visibility and impact.”

  • ZEE appoints Shiva Chinnasamy as chief technology & product officer

    ZEE appoints Shiva Chinnasamy as chief technology & product officer

    Mumbai: Media & entertainment powerhouse Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE), has announced the appointment of Shiva Chinnasamy as the chief technology & product officer with effect from 2 September 2024. In this new role, Shiva will be based at the company’s technology & innovation centre (TIC) in Bengaluru and will report to Amit Goenka, president of digital business, international linear business, enterprise technology and broadcast operations & engineering.

    Shiva will be responsible for the efforts being undertaken at the TIC across Data, artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML) to enhance the consumer experience across platforms and further support the Company’s growth plans across its core business segments.

    Speaking on the appointment, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd president of digital business, international linear business, enterprise technology and broadcast operations & engineering Amit Goenka said, “As the Company moves forward in line with its strategic objectives to drive robust growth, certain action-oriented steps are being implemented to enhance the capabilities of the businesses. Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall customer journey across all our platforms, and our Technology and Innovation Centre is steadily working towards gaining a deeper understanding of our vast audience base in order to deliver a successful business outcome.

    Shiva’s invaluable industry expertise and experience in scaling businesses with a deep understanding of technology will be instrumental in building the necessary capabilities for the Company in its next phase of growth. I look forward to working closely with Shiva and the team at TIC to complement the long-term growth trajectory of the Company.” Commenting on his new role, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief technology & product officer Shiva Chinnasamy added, “I am honoured to join the journey of ZEE at a pivotal intersection between content and technology, as the Company aims to fortify its capabilities in the realm of content distribution and monetization. I am excited to get started and work with the teams to build innovative solutions for our businesses and unlock deeper consumer insights that help accelerate innovation-driven growth opportunities for the Company.”

    Shiva comes with over 20 years of experience across technology, data science & analytics to provide large-scale, long-term solutions in close collaboration with stakeholders and business partners. His expertise spans Ad tech, eCommerce, omni-channel retail, B2C FinTech, B2B SaaS, platform engineering and mobile engineering. He has been instrumental in building multiple impactful products in lead roles through innovative ideas and tight execution. Previously he was associated with Rippling as the India Site Lead, responsible for building a high-performance, data-driven collaborative culture. During his career, Shiva has also been associated with global companies including Google, Tesco, Target, Amazon and Verizon Labs amongst others.

  • ZEE Entertainment scales up DP World ILT20 goals

    ZEE Entertainment scales up DP World ILT20 goals

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, content and entertainment powerhouse and the official broadcasting partner of the global cricket league, DP World International League T20 (ILT20), has unveiled its plans for an exciting third season, set to take place from 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month and culminate on 9 February 2025. The plans include creating a memorable month-long cricket carnival experience for cricket lovers, especially from India, expanding its viewership base by including South Indian channels and targeting 230 million viewership in the upcoming league. Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can exclusively watch the LIVE action on ZEE Entertainment’s 15 linear channels as well as stream it for free on its OTT platform ZEE5, every evening.

    As the third season approaches, ZEE Entertainment promises to deliver captivating action engagingly and dynamically across its linear channels and OTT platform, ZEE5. Commenting upon this announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “We aim to offer our cricket lovers a sporting carnival experience that combines high-class cricket at a comfortable, luxurious venue. This month-long event will offer an innovative and immersive experience for cricket fans across the globe. We are particularly focused on inviting Indian travellers to visit Dubai, offering them a chance to enjoy cricket in the UAE. This event also allows advertisers to connect with their premium customers and promote their premium brands.”

    Talking about the tournament known to be the second-most popular league outside of the Indian Premier League (IPL), DP World ILT20 CEO David White said, “Firstly, the uniqueness of the DP World ILT20 lies in the fact that we can have nine international players vis-à-vis the standard four. What also sets ILT20 apart from other leagues is that it does not have a home-and-away format. With three venues – Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi every team feels at home. We need to cultivate strong team loyalty now.  The UAE as a destination boasts of fantastic stadiums, ideal weather in the early part of the year and a comfortable environment for players. The Emirati people are renowned for their warm hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world. The presence of top players from international teams lends an international flavour to the event. We are working closely with ZEE to establish Dubai as a premier sporting destination and are open to considering an alternative window to make sure that there is no clash in the future.”

    DP World ILT20, in its second season, drew an impressive 200,000 attendees across over 30 games. The league is the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world, including a staggering 221 million viewers from India. This success was fueled by ZEE Network’s broadcasting strategy, which leveraged a combination of ZEE’s 10 Linear TV Channels and its OTT Platform ZEE5. With a notable 46 per cent share of female viewership and 55 per cent share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status as household entertainment.

    The tournament is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230 million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.

    The matches generated a massive response last season from markets like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This year the tournament’s on-air promotion will take place across 40 channels. DP World ILT20 Season 3 will also focus on South Indian channels as part of its strategy to expand viewership.

    The league plans to announce new signings next month on 15th September. The existing roster continues to be strong with the presence of players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, David Warner, Jack Fraser McGurk and Shimron Hetmyer, among others. The league, on the whole, boasts of 60,000 registered cricketers.

    The franchise-style tournament DP World IPL T20, comprises six teams and 34 matches that are played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams feature Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).

     

  • Zee Entertainment, Culver Max Entertainment & Bangla Entertainment smoke peace pipe

    Zee Entertainment, Culver Max Entertainment & Bangla Entertainment smoke peace pipe

    Mumbai: It looked like it would be a never ending slugfest between Zee and Sony with each going to court against the other. But now that time has passed and the tempers have cooled, Zee  Culver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd (CMEPL) operating as Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), together with its group company Bangla Entertainment Pvt Ltd (BEPL), have decided to call of their quarrels. The companies have arrived at a comprehensive non-cash settlement, amicably resolving all disputes related to the merger cooperation agreement and the composite scheme of arrangement.

    As part of the settlement, the firms have mutually agreed to withdraw all respective claims against each other, in the ongoing arbitration at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, and all related legal proceedings initiated in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and other forums. The companies will also withdraw the respective composite schemes of arrangement from the NCLT and inform the relevant regulatory authorities.

    Under the terms of the settlement, none of the parties will have any outstanding or continuing obligations or liabilities to the other. The settlement stems from a mutual understanding between the companies to independently pursue future growth opportunities with a renewed purpose and focus on the evolving media and entertainment landscape, signifying the definitive conclusion of all disputes.

    For media observers, this is an agreement which is coming as a breath of fresh air. 

  • Zee Entertainment to initiate $239 million foreign currency convertible bonds

    Zee Entertainment to initiate $239 million foreign currency convertible bonds

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. initiated a Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) offering on Tuesday, targeting to raise $239 million, as disclosed in a stock exchange announcement. They stated its intention to use these funds to increase strategic flexibility for pursuing growth opportunities in the dynamic media sector.

    The FCCBs will be allocated to Resonance Opportunities Fund, St. John’s Wood Fund Ltd., and Ebisu Global Opportunities, based on terms mutually agreed upon by the company and the prospective investors. According to a media report, these FCCBs will feature a five per cent annual coupon rate, and will be unsecured and unlisted, with a 10-year maturity period. Funds from the FCCBs will be accessed in installments and divided into 10 series.

    In terms of Indian rupees, the total capital raised will amount to Rs 1,997 crore. On 6 June, the company’s board sanctioned raising up to Rs 2,000 crore through various avenues, including the issuance of equity shares.

    Zee Entertainment stated its intention to use these funds to increase strategic flexibility for pursuing growth opportunities in the dynamic media sector

  • Zee Entertainment secures shareholder approval to raise Rs 2,000 crore

    Zee Entertainment secures shareholder approval to raise Rs 2,000 crore

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) announced on 15 July that it has received approval from its shareholders to raise Rs 2,000 crore.

    In a regulatory filing, Zee said,”The remote e-voting process concluded today i.e., Monday, July 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (IST), post which the Scrutinizer appointed for scrutiny of Postal Ballot process, Ms. Vinita Nair (Membership No. F10559), Senior Partner, M/s. Vinod Kothari & Co., Company Secretaries, has submitted her report on the results of the Postal Ballot. Based on the report of the Scrutinizer, we hereby inform you that the shareholders of the Company have duly passed the resolution for issuance of securities for an amount not exceeding Rs2,000 crores with requisite majority.”

    Earlier, on 6 June, Zee had announced its intention to raise funds through the issuance of equity shares and/or via private placement, qualified institutions placement (QIP), preferential issue, or other methods, subject to necessary approvals. This fundraising approval follows the cancellation in January of a proposed $10 billion merger with Sony.

    Since then, Zee has implemented several measures to streamline operations and reduce losses, including a workforce reduction of 15 per cent and a restructuring of its leadership team.

  • ZEE5 and Zee Café announce a sci-fi thriller series, Loop 11:47

    ZEE5 and Zee Café announce a sci-fi thriller series, Loop 11:47

    Mumbai: Prepare for a jaw-dropping experience as ZEE5, India’s largest home-grown video streaming multilingual storytelling platform and Zee Café are set to elevate the viewing experience with the debut of Zee Café’s first digital series, Loop 11:47. The groundbreaking sci-fi comedy thriller presented in the vibrant Hinglish format blends the genres of science fiction, comedy, and thriller. It will premiere on 5 July on ZEE5 and Zee Café’s YouTube channel. Following its digital debut, the show will also premiere on Zee Café channel on 22 July, providing multiple platforms for audience engagement.

    The series follows three disillusioned friends—Varun (Akashdeep Arora), an aspiring musician; Nirvaan (Qabeer Singh), an ambitious corporate executive; and Bhavik (Keshav Sadhna), an optimistic influencer—who embark on a getaway to explore a mysterious lake. What begins as an escape from their daily routines takes a twist when they find themselves trapped in an inexplicable time loop, unfolding a thrilling and captivating adventure.

    Loop 11:47 is set to deliver an enthralling journey filled with exhilarating moments and humorous twists, ensuring a captivating experience from beginning to end. Whether viewers are drawn to intense drama, lighthearted humor, or mind-bending plot twists, this series promises something for everyone.

    ZEE5 India head, AVOD marketing and YouTube revenue Abhirup Datta stated, “We are delighted to present ‘Loop 11:47’ to our audience, a groundbreaking sci-fi comedy thriller that merges genres to deliver an immersive viewing experience. At ZEE5, our commitment to offering innovative and engaging content that resonates with our viewers is unwavering. This series exemplifies our dedication to push creative boundaries, ensuring an exciting journey for our audience. With its dynamic storyline and Hinglish format, ‘Loop 11:47’ seamlessly blends science fiction, comedy, and thriller elements. This multi-platform release strategy ensures viewers can enjoy the series at their own convenience”.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief cluster officer – West, North, and premium channels Samrat Ghosh said, “We are delighted to unveil our first fiction series ‘Loop 11:47’ on Zee Café. This innovative blend of sci-fi, comedy, and relatable themes aligns with our ongoing commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to young Indian audiences. Zee Café, known for its diverse portfolio of popular international series, engaging reality shows, and original programming, continues to cater to the evolving tastes of contemporary viewers. ‘Loop 11:47’ is expected to provoke thought, evoke laughter, and resonate with audiences nationwide.”

    Chief channel officer – English cluster and Zest, Rishi Parekh added, “Loop 11:47’ exemplifies Zee Café’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries and exploring novel concepts. With a commitment to connecting with the Gen Z audience through initiatives like Anime Fan Fest and localized programming such as ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’ in Hindi, we aim to offer content that resonates deeply. The content promises to deliver an engaging, relatable viewing experience that reflects our ethos of bridging cultural divides with globally resonant content infused with local flavour. This distinctive series is poised to captivate a broader audience, reinforcing Zee Café’s stature as a premier entertainment destination nationwide”.

    Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with “Loop 11:47”.

    Featuring a compelling storyline, dynamic characters, and an innovative concept, this series is a must-watch. Tune in and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of “Loop 11:47” – soon to your screen!

  • Leo Burnett dominates day two of ABBY Awards!

    Leo Burnett dominates day two of ABBY Awards!

    Mumbai: Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show, day 2 dazzled with an array of accolades. Leo Burnett India soared to prominence, clinching esteemed titles including Digital Specialist Agency of the Year, Technology Specialist Agency of the Year, Mobile Specialist Agency of the Year, and Direct Specialist Agency of the Year with a remarkable tally of 26 metals.

    Meanwhile, FCB Group India secured the titles of Public Relations Specialist Agency of the Year and Design Specialist Agency of the Year. along with two Grand Prix awards.

    In the broadcaster category, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd emerged as the Broadcaster of the Year. With a splendid haul of 18 metals, including 2 Golds, their triumph was resounding. Notably, ZEE Kannada’s stellar performance further enhanced the network’s glory with 13 well-deserved metals.

    Amidst this radiant celebration of creativity and innovation, TV18 Broadcast Ltd shone brightly, securing a Gold and affirming their place among the industry’s finest.

  • ZEE Entertainment to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3, live on TV & ZEE5

    ZEE Entertainment to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3, live on TV & ZEE5

    Mumbai: Season three of the DP World International League T20 will begin from Saturday, 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month with the final to be played on Sunday, 9 February 2025.

    Season two of DP World International League T20 (ILT20) was the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world. Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can exclusively watch the LIVE action on ZEE’s linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and on its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world.

    The season three announcement comes at the back of a hugely successful season two (2024) which concluded with the MI Emirates lifting the iconic DP World ILT20 trophy played at Dubai International Stadium on 17 February 2024.

    The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic UAE cricket venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting from 11 January 2025 to 9 February, 2025. Fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed linear TV channels and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.

    The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches will be played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).

    Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars played in Season 2, including David Warner, Nicholas Pooran, Matheesha Pathirana, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Tim David, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    The deep distribution and disruptive marketing strategy for the third season aims to further enhance the league’s reach and ensure widespread viewership, emphasizing ILT20’s appeal to a broad and diverse audience. In the previous season, the league achieved a remarkable reach of over 221 million across India. The event will be broadcast in Hindi and English commentary. ZEE5 will offer Live free-to-view streaming of the 34 cricket matches, aimed at bolstering cricket viewership in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This move represents a commitment to making cricket more accessible to a wider audience, thereby democratizing the experience of sports viewing in the region.

    ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) chief growth officer – ad sales Ashish Sehgal, “Zee is delighted to present DP World ILT20 3rd season and promises an electrifying experience to cricket fans in India and around the world. With the world’s finest players, iconic stadiums, and infrastructure and six leading sporting franchises, our goal is to build upon the previous year’s success, further solidifying the league’s stature as one of the most-widely followed cricket events in the world. In our pursuit to grow the market, we are continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance the fan experience, making it more interactive, immersive, and engaging. We are collaborating with cutting-edge technologies and creating new avenues for cricket enthusiasts to connect with the sport. As we embark on this exciting new season, our goal is to ensure that this truly-global league becomes more accessible to viewers worldwide.”

    DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 Season 3. The window has been finalised after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for Season 3 with an aim of making the league even bigger and better. Season 2 was a massive success in terms of all relevant metrics’ and helped further strengthen the league’s reputation, making it one of the most sought after T20 leagues for players, fans and broadcasters from around the world. Having considered all aspects, the January-February window for Season 3 has turned out to be the most suitable.”