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Tag: ZEE Network

  • Zee Telugu supports Telangana government in fight against Covid2019

    Zee Telugu supports Telangana government in fight against Covid2019

    MUMBAI: With the outbreak of the Covid2019 pandemic, the social and economic ecosystem of the country has faced a tectonic shift. To the state government in its efforts, Zee Telugu has pledged to donate PPE kits, masks and other critical medical equipment to the authorities. This is part of a larger initiative of the Zee Network to donate equipment in 10 cities across India.

    Joining the state government in its efforts to fight the ongoing pandemic, Zee Telugu has decided to donate 4,000 PPE kits and 16 ambulances across the state of Telangana. Appreciating the efforts by the channel, IT minister, KTR has liked the tweet.

    Zee Network has pledged to support different state governments and local authorities all over the country by donating 200 ambulances, 40,000 PPE kits, 100 portable ICUs and 6,00,000 daily meals in support of 10,000 migrants across the nation, for a month. The cities include: Noida, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai.

    Zee Telugu provided a monetary aid of Rs 35 lakh to nearly 400 families of daily wage workers from all the 16 shows of the channel, to help overcome their financial challenges. Additionally, during the first phase of the lockdown, employees of Zee Telugu and Zee Cinemalu donated a sum of 1.5 lakh for the immediate relief of television daily wage workers

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  • Mahesh Babu to feature in Zee Telugu’s unique concept video

    Mahesh Babu to feature in Zee Telugu’s unique concept video

    MUMBAI: Zee Telugu through the years has excelled in bringing forth diverse content to its beloved audience. Content that is made up of stories ranging from themes pertinent to the social and cultural context of the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh inspires them to take the first step towards change. And now, with the launch of three new shows – Prema Entha Madhuram starring Venkat Sriram and Varsha HK as the leads, Trinayani starring Aashika Gopal Padukone and Thoorpu Padamara with Yamini and Jaya Kavi alongside Pranay and Vinay in the lead roles, Zee Telugu will further strengthen its offerings.

    The new shows are the channel’s latest addition to its fiction genre and for the first time, superstar Mahesh Babu has joined hands with Zee Telugu to be featured in a unique concept video. The charming star shot with the cast of the new shows today at a plush hotel in Hyderabad alongside the famed Anchor Pradeep Machiraju. Zee Telugu is all set to air the video for its ardent viewers during Sankranti. Audiences can also view this video across various theaters in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

    The video starring Mahesh Babu and the launch of fiction shows will be coming soon on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

    Viewers can subscribe to Zee Telugu, available in the Zee Prime Pack at Rs. 20 per month.

    To ensure to not miss out on the favorite Zee Telugu shows, viewers can choose the Zee Prime Pack that includes Zee Telugu, and Zee Cinemalu alongside seven other top channels of the Zee Network that cater to the daily entertainment needs at Rs. 20 per month only. More information is available with the DTH or the Cable operator.

  • Zee Telugu to launch two fiction shows on Makar Sankranti

    Zee Telugu to launch two fiction shows on Makar Sankranti

    MUMBAI: Zee Telugu has always been at the forefront in providing rich and diverse content to the viewers. The channel is further strengthening its content offerings by narrating tales across a range of subjects which will offer viewers a wide variety of emotions and strike conversations around socially relevant subjects. As Zee Telugu always believes in the ‘content-first’ philosophy, it continues to sharpen their creativity, concepts, and initiatives that embody the same vision.

    With deep-rooted storytelling at the core, the channel has will launch two new fiction shows at Zee Telugu’s Sankranti Sambaralu event happening in Machilipatnam. Zee Telugu has introduced ‘Thoorpu Padamara’ theme teaser and the title song of ‘Prema Entha Madhuram’ which was shot in Kashmir. Over the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, anchored by exuberant Pradeep Machiraju and chirpy Shyamala, Sankranti Sambaralu event will bring Zee Telugu Kutumbam under one roof.

    ‘Prema Entha Madhuram’, a remake of Zee Marathi’s popular show ‘Tula Pahate Re’ which was later remade as ‘Jothe Jotheyali’ in Zee Kannada, wheels around unconventional love story of a couple belonging to different generations and stands as a witness to the love that surpasses materialistic limits of age, status, and lifestyle, to prove the purity in love between two individuals. Starring Venkat Sriram and Varsha HK as the leads, for the first time on Indian Television, the title song of a serial was shot in Pahalgam, Kashmir at -10.5 degrees in just 10 hours’ time.

    The story of ‘Thoorpu Padamara’ revolves around two young girls played by Yamini and Jaya Kavi. The show narrates the contrasting attitudes of the girls towards life and the repercussions they face in their lives due to the decisions they take. The show marks the comeback of Zee Telugu’s popular face Yamini who was last featured in channel’s super hit shows ‘Muthyala Muggu’ and ‘Meenakshi’. Actor Pranay will play opposite Yamini, while Vinay will share the screen with Jaya Kavi.

    The channel has lined up special offerings for its viewers to celebrate the Sankranti fervor and gaiety of the festival with a mix of special games, coupled with fantastic music and performances.

    The big bang performances of Zee Telugu Kutumbam and the launch of the fiction shows will be coming soon on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

    To enjoy the shows, customers will have to subscribe to Zee Telugu, available in the Zee Prime Pack at Rs. 20 per month.

    To not miss the favorite Zee Telugu shows, customers have to choose the Zee Prime Pack that includes Zee Telugu, and Zee Cinemalu alongside seven other top channels of the Zee Network that cater to the daily entertainment needs of your entire family at Rs. 20 per month only. More information is available with the DTH or the Cable operator.

  • Zee Kannada to have exclusive content for HD channel

    Zee Kannada to have exclusive content for HD channel

    MUMBAI: If there’s any broadcaster known to be a pioneer it’s the Zee Network. With a wide reach in the regional part of India, Zee already has leadership positions in Bangla, Marathi and Bhojpuri markets as per BARC data week 48. Now it wants to buck up in the Kannada market with the newly launched HD channel for its GEC. 

    The rationale behind the revamp and the launch of HD channel was the changing mindsets of the ambitious Kannadiga wanting to break free from things that are holding them back in life, wanting to thrive and become the architect of their own lives. Building on the consumer sentiment, a new brand proposition 'Bayasid'dha Bāgilu Tegiyōṇa', which translates to “Open Doors to Possibilities”, was planned to inspire women to rise above their circumstances and craft their own destiny.

    Zee Kannada’s market share in the weeks 14-20 was 22 per cent from week average of 21-39 that came to 27 per cent (total TV). Its relative share grew by 6 per cent i.e., from 19 per cent in FY16 to 25 per cent in FY19, till week 39 (total market). The channel grew rapidly from 295 GRPs in FY16 to 546 GRPs in FY19 (week 39) and registered an 85 per cent growth in both urban and rural markets.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Zee Kannada business head Raghavendra Hunsur said that most of the content on Zee Kannada will be showcased on the new HD channel, accompanied by the new brand proposition which will provide viewers a whole new content line up offering a complete visual experience with its new HD channel.

    “We are still working out our exclusive content offering for the HD channel and will speak about it when the time is right. All our content reflects the changing mindsets of our viewers and is deeply rooted in our culture and tradition,” he added.

    As per BARC data week 48, Zee Kannada stood at second position with 389247 impressions (000s) sum, followed by Udaya TV, Udaya Movies and Colors Super securing third, fourth and fifth positions respectively with 196316 impressions (000s) sum, 188975 impressions (000s) sum and 141803 impressions (000s) sum. Meanwhile, Colors Kannada garnered leadership position with 450055 impressions (000s) sum.

    The channel’s overall promotional and marketing strategy included brand refresh teasers, a brand film, and four fiction promos that would bring alive the brand promise. Speaking about which genre is working well with the Kannadigas, Hunsur said that both fiction and non-fiction genres have been doing extremely well. But in terms of ratings, non-fiction offerings have been growing phenomenally year on year.

    He further added, “We are also witnessing impressive growth in the fiction genre, which offers differentiated content reflective of today’s changing mindsets, deeply rooted in our culture and tradition and based on our extensive research and insights.”

    He claimed that the characters and protagonists have resonated well with the audience. Giving more information about Zee Kannada’s flagship shows, he named Comedy Khiladigalu and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs (season 14), Naagini and Kamali.

    Echoing the new brand positioning of Zee Kannada, the channel underwent a brand refresh with the key existing fiction and non-fiction shows that included Kamali, Brahmagantu, Jodi Hakki, Subbalakshmi Samsara, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 15, Shree Vishnu Dashavatara, and soon-to-be-launched Paru and Aatma Bandhana.

    As per the KPMG in India's Media and Entertainment Report 2018, the Kannada segment saw a 63 per cent change in viewership in the year 2017 compared to 2016. When it comes to language-wise AdEx split based on ad value, Tamil and Marathi saw a marginal decline of 2 per cent and 9 per cent respectively while other major ones like Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam and Oriya saw a growth in their contribution to the overall AdEx in FY18. 

  • Zee, Star, NBA oppose converged regulator for broadcast and telecoms

    Zee, Star, NBA oppose converged regulator for broadcast and telecoms

    MUMBAI: Two of India’s biggest broadcasters Star India and Zee Network and industry association News Broadcasters Association (NBA) have opposed the TRAI’s proposal to have a converged regulator, a concept being debated as part of a consultation paper floated by the regulatory body. 

    In its lengthy submission to the TRAI’s paper on formulation of National Telecoms Policy 2018, Star, while suggesting a “separate regulator” for broadcasting sector was unfeasible, has said, “With a converged regulator for ICT and broadcasting there is always the risk of ‘false equivalence’ being drawn between the two sectors.”

    Pointing out that convergence was an aid to make content available to consumers and increasing the opportunities for content producers/rights holders to maximise monetisation opportunities involving intellectual property rights over content, Star highlighted, “Creative eco-system being an entirely separate unique value chain from ICT, should always be treated with a view to uphold and protect IPs.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, Zee said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) was the nodal ministry for all broadcasting related issues and it would be “inappropriate” for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to propose a converged regulator in its policy document without making the MIB a part of the process.

    “It may also be pointed out that setting up a convergent regulator would also require a convergence bill (to be okayed by Parliament) outlining the very scope of convergent regulations and various issues associated with it,” Zee explained its stance.

    Subhash Chandra-controlled Zee network has gone ahead and questioned the TRAI’s various consultation papers on broadcasting industry-related issues that include the one on NTP 2018 and another one on uplinking and downlinking.
    “It is astounding that there is no correlation between the two consultation papers,” Zee has submitted, “If the comments (from the industry) provided against one consultation paper are accepted, these would be counter to the comments/ recommendations against the other consultation paper.”

    Both Star and Zee in their submissions have cited in the defence of their stance views of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Information Technology on broadcast regulation articulated in its latest report tabled few weeks back.
    In its report, the parliamentary panel observed that the broadcast sector has developed so much that it would be advisable for the government to explore a separate regulator and till that happens, powers of TRAI could be explored to be expanded as an interim measure.

    By trying to bring in the “convergence issue”, wherein broadcasting and telecom were “treated under the same umbrella” in a converged manner, the TRAI “would be acting contrary” to the views articulated by the parliamentary panel that had pushed for separate regulators for telecoms and broadcast sectors, both Star and Zee pointed out.

    NBA, which is an apex industry body comprising most of the TV (and digital) news ventures as its members, also joined in the issue with Star and Zee to observe the regulatory authority dealing with content issues must be different from the body dealing with other issues in the broadcasting sector.

    The TRAI regulates the carriage side of the broadcast industry that includes issues such as tariff, inter-connect and quality of service. It also holds sway over matters like OTT, broadband and net neutrality that straddle both segments of broadcast and telecoms services.

    Also Read :

    MIB reverts to earlier norms of seeking nod from ISRO on uplink/downlink of TV channels

    Government toying easing downlink norms

    The Communication Convergence Bill, 2001

  • Zee buys Rajini 2.0’s three-language satellite rights for Rs 110 cr

    MUMBAI: Zee Network has acquired the satellite TV rights for superstar Rajinikanth’s sci-fi thriller “2.0” directed by S Shankar for Rs 110 crore. The film will grace the global theaters on 18 October during Diwali.

    Starring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the role of an antagonist, the film is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster “Enthiran”. Sudanshu Pandey, Amy Jackson, Adil Hussain and Kalabhavan Shajohn are in the supporting cast.

    Lyca Productions creative head Raju Mahalingam told PTI that it was an unprecedented deal and that they were glad to associate with Zee Network. The price is for combined Indian satellite rights for the film for all the languages (Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu).

    A R Rahman, the Academy award-winning composer, has given the music for the project, which is said to be India’s most expensive film at a budget of Rs 450 crore.

    Also Read:

    Zee signs four TV-series deal with Eccho Rights

     

     

  • Pricing, analytics, customization, video quality crucial to decide OTT market leader: Frost

    Pricing, analytics, customization, video quality crucial to decide OTT market leader: Frost

    MUMBAI: The nascent over the top (OTT) video market in India is growing as smartphone penetration and 3G and 4G subscribers continue to increase rapidly. The recent launch of Reliance Jio’s affordable data services and initiatives, such as Bharat Net, will continue to drive down data service prices, boosting video consumption over fixed and mobile broadband.

    “It will be critical for market participants to gauge viewership trends, price sensitivity and technical requirements while offering their video services,” said Frost & Sullivan digital media director Vidya S Nath. “Pricing, data analytics, personalization and video quality will be crucial in defining the market leader in the next five years.”

    The Over the Top (OTT) Video Market Update, India, 2016 analysis is part of Frost & Sullivan’s Digital Media Growth Partnership Service program, which includes research, consumer analytics, consulting and advisory services on pay television (TV) services and media technologies.

    While the dominance of YouTube and TV reins in subscription-based models, making digital advertising the most used business model for now, OTT video providers have confidence in the growth prospects of the market:

    . India has over 300 million Internet users and about a billion smartphone users

    . Millennials and Gen Y comprise about a third of the population and are driving viewership trends toward personalized content

    . The country’s fragmented demography offers more than 20 types of audiences by major languages, creating tremendous opportunity for content creators and producers

    . OTT providers can target Indian immigrants internationally

    The market is already crowded with about 25 market participants that include telecom operators, direct-to-home (DTH) TV providers, broadcasters and individual OTT providers. The number of participants will grow further over the next two years.

    “Even though the return on investment for OTT services providers is slow and does not justify the business proposition in the short run, competition will spur all broadcasters to consider the OTT business,” noted research analyst Aafia Bathool. “Exclusive content at a competitive price with a sophisticated, user-friendly interface is the way forward. To achieve this, the market will see increasing strategic alliances among ecosystem players.”

    Key participants in the current market include Hotstar, Eros Now, Ditto TV (Zee Networks), Asianet Mobile, YouTube, and Netflix. New market participants who will likely intensify competition include Amazon and Balaji ALT. Other market participants include Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, Zee Network, Voot, Viacom, Spuul, Veqta, Yupp TV, Dish TV, HOOQ, Hungama, Shemaroo, SonyLIV, and Tatasky.

  • Pricing, analytics, customization, video quality crucial to decide OTT market leader: Frost

    Pricing, analytics, customization, video quality crucial to decide OTT market leader: Frost

    MUMBAI: The nascent over the top (OTT) video market in India is growing as smartphone penetration and 3G and 4G subscribers continue to increase rapidly. The recent launch of Reliance Jio’s affordable data services and initiatives, such as Bharat Net, will continue to drive down data service prices, boosting video consumption over fixed and mobile broadband.

    “It will be critical for market participants to gauge viewership trends, price sensitivity and technical requirements while offering their video services,” said Frost & Sullivan digital media director Vidya S Nath. “Pricing, data analytics, personalization and video quality will be crucial in defining the market leader in the next five years.”

    The Over the Top (OTT) Video Market Update, India, 2016 analysis is part of Frost & Sullivan’s Digital Media Growth Partnership Service program, which includes research, consumer analytics, consulting and advisory services on pay television (TV) services and media technologies.

    While the dominance of YouTube and TV reins in subscription-based models, making digital advertising the most used business model for now, OTT video providers have confidence in the growth prospects of the market:

    . India has over 300 million Internet users and about a billion smartphone users

    . Millennials and Gen Y comprise about a third of the population and are driving viewership trends toward personalized content

    . The country’s fragmented demography offers more than 20 types of audiences by major languages, creating tremendous opportunity for content creators and producers

    . OTT providers can target Indian immigrants internationally

    The market is already crowded with about 25 market participants that include telecom operators, direct-to-home (DTH) TV providers, broadcasters and individual OTT providers. The number of participants will grow further over the next two years.

    “Even though the return on investment for OTT services providers is slow and does not justify the business proposition in the short run, competition will spur all broadcasters to consider the OTT business,” noted research analyst Aafia Bathool. “Exclusive content at a competitive price with a sophisticated, user-friendly interface is the way forward. To achieve this, the market will see increasing strategic alliances among ecosystem players.”

    Key participants in the current market include Hotstar, Eros Now, Ditto TV (Zee Networks), Asianet Mobile, YouTube, and Netflix. New market participants who will likely intensify competition include Amazon and Balaji ALT. Other market participants include Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, Zee Network, Voot, Viacom, Spuul, Veqta, Yupp TV, Dish TV, HOOQ, Hungama, Shemaroo, SonyLIV, and Tatasky.

  • News reports claim SPNI is close to acquiring TEN brand from Zeel

    News reports claim SPNI is close to acquiring TEN brand from Zeel

    MUMBAI: A new whisper campaign, which if true, could change the lay of the land in India sports broadcasting has been going on over the past few days. It began with the Mirror tabloid from the Times of India group announcing that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) was close to acquiring the TEN sports brand from the Subhash Chandra owned-Zee Network.

    Of course when the Mirror breaks a piece of news related to business, you kind of keep it to yourself and on the shelf until a confirmation comes.

    Then this morning even The Economoc Times from the same group came out with a similar report. Again no confirmation from both the parties was forthcoming. SPNI sources told the ET that they do not comment on speculation. But the price mentioned in the news item for the transaction is Rs 2,000 crore.

    And when The ET does report something, you at least mention that it has reported it. The newspaper says that post the transaction, sports television in India will become a two horse race between the Twenty First Century Fox owned Star India and the Sony Japan owned SPNI.

    Observers, however, maintain that the enterprise value, if it the deal is indeed happening, of Rs 2,000 crore is too low. Reason: back in 2010, Zeel coughed up close to $44.155 million (Rs 270 crore) to acquire a 45 per cent stake in Taj Television Mauritius and Taj Television India. Prior to that, it had handed out $57 million (close to about Rs 360 crore) to snare a 50 per cent stake from the Bukhatir group. That means Zeel paid about Rs 630 crore to buy Ten Sports. Post that it has spent lots of money acquiring cricket rights and other sports rights, over the years.

    “Selling Ten Sports at 2x what it paid over nine years ago is not a great deal for Zeel,” says an investment banker close to Zeel. “I think the Essel group could be looking for at least 3x to 3.5x of the value. It’s not as if it is a troubled group that it has to resort to a fire sale like that. Zeel’s profitability, operating paramters, top line, debt, all are doing well. Hence, a 3x to 3.5x price is a better asking price.”

    Be that as it may, Indiantelevision.com will be reaching out to the two networks for a confirmation or denial later today. Until then, watch this space.

  • News reports claim SPNI is close to acquiring TEN brand from Zeel

    News reports claim SPNI is close to acquiring TEN brand from Zeel

    MUMBAI: A new whisper campaign, which if true, could change the lay of the land in India sports broadcasting has been going on over the past few days. It began with the Mirror tabloid from the Times of India group announcing that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) was close to acquiring the TEN sports brand from the Subhash Chandra owned-Zee Network.

    Of course when the Mirror breaks a piece of news related to business, you kind of keep it to yourself and on the shelf until a confirmation comes.

    Then this morning even The Economoc Times from the same group came out with a similar report. Again no confirmation from both the parties was forthcoming. SPNI sources told the ET that they do not comment on speculation. But the price mentioned in the news item for the transaction is Rs 2,000 crore.

    And when The ET does report something, you at least mention that it has reported it. The newspaper says that post the transaction, sports television in India will become a two horse race between the Twenty First Century Fox owned Star India and the Sony Japan owned SPNI.

    Observers, however, maintain that the enterprise value, if it the deal is indeed happening, of Rs 2,000 crore is too low. Reason: back in 2010, Zeel coughed up close to $44.155 million (Rs 270 crore) to acquire a 45 per cent stake in Taj Television Mauritius and Taj Television India. Prior to that, it had handed out $57 million (close to about Rs 360 crore) to snare a 50 per cent stake from the Bukhatir group. That means Zeel paid about Rs 630 crore to buy Ten Sports. Post that it has spent lots of money acquiring cricket rights and other sports rights, over the years.

    “Selling Ten Sports at 2x what it paid over nine years ago is not a great deal for Zeel,” says an investment banker close to Zeel. “I think the Essel group could be looking for at least 3x to 3.5x of the value. It’s not as if it is a troubled group that it has to resort to a fire sale like that. Zeel’s profitability, operating paramters, top line, debt, all are doing well. Hence, a 3x to 3.5x price is a better asking price.”

    Be that as it may, Indiantelevision.com will be reaching out to the two networks for a confirmation or denial later today. Until then, watch this space.