Tag: Zeel

Komal Nahta to host Zee chat show

MUMBAI: Taking storytelling beyond boundaries, leading content conglomerate, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has created yet another milestone with the launch of its new celebrity chat show ‘Starry Nights’, exclusively for international territories. Hosted by top trade analyst, Komal Nahta, the show promises to reveal his fun and witty side as he indulges in heart-warming and hilarious conversations with Bollywood celebrities.

Produced in-house, Starry Nights premieres on ZEE’s international channels starting the first week of January 2017.

ZEEL international broadcast business CEO Amit Goenka said, “With a presence in 171 countries and content available in 9 foreign languages, ZEE has emerged as a truly world-scale player, offering rich, innovative and engaging content to a wide cross-section of audiences. Bollywood’s popularity is growing across continents and with Starry Nights, it will be the first time that a celeb chat show of this stature has been produced. Featuring the best of Bollywood, the show aims to reach over 332 million viewers across all international territories.”

Speaking on his association, host and popular trade analyst Komal Nahta said, “I was thrilled at the offer to host Starry Nights as it was outside my comfort zone. All these years I have spoken of box-office collections but this show has given me an opportunity to be associated with the glamour instead of the grind.”

Sharing further details on the new property, ZEEL president – content & strategy, international business Rajeev Kheror said, “Starry Nights is about the journey of our favorite film celebrities. It is different from other chat shows where celebs talk about their films and latest releases. Here we come closer to the individual personality of the celebrity, their true character and their desires. The 40 episode series will feature the best of the industry, including global superstars like Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput, Vidya Balan and Manish Malhotra among others. While the show has been shot in English, to reach local audiences across the globe, it will be dubbed or sub-titled in several languages including German, Spanish and Arabic.”

‘Starry Nights’ has been conceptualised and produced by Zee International programming head Fatema Contractor. Speaking on the concept, she said “We are honored to be creating a celeb chat show at a global level in association with Komal Nahta. Starry Nights manages to go beyond the reel and reveal the real side of celebrities.”

The starry line-up of guests includes Arjun Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Farah Khan, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar, Imtiaz Ali, Tiger Shroff and many more. So get ready to witness the perfect blend of comedy, drama, romance and admiration with your favorite Bollywood stars on the couch.

Starry Nights launches worldwide in the 1st week of January 2017. To catch your favourite celebs, tune in to:

· Zee Cinema (US) every Friday @ 1930

· Zing (US) every Sunday @ 1930

· Zee Bollywood every Saturday @ 1930

· Zee TV (US) every Sunday @ 1800

· Zee TV (Canada) every Saturday @ 1800

· Zee TV (Caribbean) every Sunday @ 1730

· Zee TV (APAC) every Saturday @ 1830

· Zee TV (Africa) every Sunday @ 1530

· Zing (Europe) every Sunday @ 1930

Zee Entertainment is amongst the largest producers and aggregators of Hindi programming in the world, with an extensive library housing over 222,000 hours of television content. With rights to more than 3,818 movie titles from foremost studios and of iconic film stars, Zee entertains over a billion viewers across 171 countries.

January 2, 2017
Business Today honours ZEEL MD & CEO Punit Goenka with ‘Best CEO’ award

MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) MD & CEO Punit Goenka has received the coveted Business Today ‘Best CEO’ award in the Media and Entertainment category for 2016. The award was presented by the minister of law & justice and electronics & information technology Ravi Shankar Prasad, India Today group chairman & editor-in-chief Aroon Purie & Wave group vice chairman Manpreet Chadha, at the BT Best CEO Awards ceremony in New Delhi.

Acknowledging the award, Goenka said, “I accept this award with pride on behalf of our visionary chairman, Dr. Subhash Chandra, and my team at ZEE, whose dedication, hard work and support have enabled the organisation to reach greater heights. We have consistently grown ahead of market, expanded our network viewership share and experienced growth of our product bouquet, both in India and internationally.”

The methodology of Business Today’s Best CEO Awards focused on the operational performance of companies and their shareholders returns which was conducted by BT’s Knowledge support partner for the process PwC India. To arrive at the BT Best CEO Award winners for 2016, Business Today first used the BT500 list of Most Valuable Indian Companies as a base and then analysed three-year data, using parameters such as growth in total income, total shareholder returns and PBIT. Based on this analysis, an independent jury comprising renowned business leaders — JM Financial Group chairman Nimesh Kampani, JP Morgan India CEO Kalpana Morparia, Khaitan & Co. senior partner Haigreve Khaitan, and Bain & Co. India chairman Sri Rajan chose the final winners.

Other recipients of the BT Best CEO Awards 2016 include Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, Tech Mahindra CEO & MD C P Gurnani, and Dabur India CEO Sunil Duggal, among other.

December 19, 2016
Business Today honours ZEEL MD & CEO Punit Goenka with ‘Best CEO’ award

MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) MD & CEO Punit Goenka has received the coveted Business Today ‘Best CEO’ award in the Media and Entertainment category for 2016. The award was presented by the minister of law & justice and electronics & information technology Ravi Shankar Prasad, India Today group chairman & editor-in-chief Aroon Purie & Wave group vice chairman Manpreet Chadha, at the BT Best CEO Awards ceremony in New Delhi.

Acknowledging the award, Goenka said, “I accept this award with pride on behalf of our visionary chairman, Dr. Subhash Chandra, and my team at ZEE, whose dedication, hard work and support have enabled the organisation to reach greater heights. We have consistently grown ahead of market, expanded our network viewership share and experienced growth of our product bouquet, both in India and internationally.”

The methodology of Business Today’s Best CEO Awards focused on the operational performance of companies and their shareholders returns which was conducted by BT’s Knowledge support partner for the process PwC India. To arrive at the BT Best CEO Award winners for 2016, Business Today first used the BT500 list of Most Valuable Indian Companies as a base and then analysed three-year data, using parameters such as growth in total income, total shareholder returns and PBIT. Based on this analysis, an independent jury comprising renowned business leaders — JM Financial Group chairman Nimesh Kampani, JP Morgan India CEO Kalpana Morparia, Khaitan & Co. senior partner Haigreve Khaitan, and Bain & Co. India chairman Sri Rajan chose the final winners.

Other recipients of the BT Best CEO Awards 2016 include Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, Tech Mahindra CEO & MD C P Gurnani, and Dabur India CEO Sunil Duggal, among other.

December 19, 2016
&TV’s innovative affair with The Voice India S2

MUMBAI: Have you ever seen a promo of a new show on television which is actually a video but not a video. Confused? ZEEL’s year-old Hindi general entertainment channel &TV has come up with the unique campaign ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’ to promote the second season of ‘The Voice.’

The format of ‘The Voice’ franchise is unique, and, unlike any other singing reality show. The focus is solely on the vocal talent of the contestant. Taking the thought of the ‘voice trumps all’ transcends all barriers, the channel designed the proposition of ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’. This was befitting to address the cultural diversity of India and beyond, surpassing all boundaries.

The channel created invisible promos emphasising on the singing talent and not the appearance or visuals. This first of its kind promo features no video but only the voice of a singer.

A unique tribute to five living or posthumous legends — Asha Bhosle, R D Burman, Kishore Kumar, Mohd Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, who have risen above the cult of religion and language with their voice that inspired generations of singers, through a Wall Project executed in Mumbai.

Taking the campaign a step further, &TV designed interesting radio spots across stations stressing that music does not differentiate between regional or cultural divide driving home the thought ‘Jaati insaan ki hoti hain, awaaz ki nahi’.

Furthermore, just as cricket unites the country, the channel has rolled out contextual promos emphasizing the format of the show across the sports bulletin of news channels.The idea was to capitalise on the current events by repackaging the product /communication and reaching the message in the space of the viewer. Hence, the channel designed contextual promos by smartly integrating cricket with music to connect with sports enthusiasts.

The campaign is an apt concept yet disruptive for a medium which is used to watching a visual. The channel is throwing a powerful voice and communication which the viewer will relate to. It is an evolved concept but in line with the product. In this case, the format USP which is blind audition and the proposition of Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi, it doesn’t matter who one is; only a good voice can resonate with the audience.

Without involving models, designers or locales, the channel has given enough thought to see how the idea can be extended to a television promo to excite the audience. It may be not be due to cost-efficiency as they have had the best coaches and talent on the channel. The idea was formalised so to strike the right chord with the audience, and get noticed. The message itself is so powerful, that the channel felt there was no need to use other means of communication.

&TV is geared up to premiere the second edition of The Voice India. Mentoring these musical exponents in their journey towards excellence are none other than musicians extraordinaire — the effervescent Shaan, the winner of The Voice India Season 1, Neeti Mohan, the winner of The Voice India Kids, and joining them will be the uber cool Benny Dayal, and the most sought-after singer-composer Salim Merchant as coaches.

Starting on 10 December, the show will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 9pm.

The idea was to play the promos, using a healthy mix of channels to disrupt the mediums and excite the audience to S2 on &TV. The channel has used a mix of talent, celebs and moment-led promos that will give the viewer a taste of the content.

&TV business head Rajesh Iyer said, “The Voice India has struck a chord with the audience with its unbiased and transparent format where the participants are judged only on the basis of their vocal talent. The thought of the campaign – Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi — was inspired by the format itself and we aligned all our ideas towards breaking barriers of media usage. From radio to outdoor, digital and TV, we have some key innovations that are in sync with the campaign thought and will resonate with our audience.”

From the house of Talpa Media and produced by Endemol Shine India, The Voice is a popular global format that has received a thunderous response from the audience and critics alike. It will be interesting to see the coaches fight it out for their favourite singers as they groom and nurture their teams. However, the final power lies in the hands of the audience to determine who will be The Voice of the nation.

December 10, 2016
&TV’s innovative affair with The Voice India S2

MUMBAI: Have you ever seen a promo of a new show on television which is actually a video but not a video. Confused? ZEEL’s year-old Hindi general entertainment channel &TV has come up with the unique campaign ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’ to promote the second season of ‘The Voice.’

The format of ‘The Voice’ franchise is unique, and, unlike any other singing reality show. The focus is solely on the vocal talent of the contestant. Taking the thought of the ‘voice trumps all’ transcends all barriers, the channel designed the proposition of ‘Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi’. This was befitting to address the cultural diversity of India and beyond, surpassing all boundaries.

The channel created invisible promos emphasising on the singing talent and not the appearance or visuals. This first of its kind promo features no video but only the voice of a singer.

A unique tribute to five living or posthumous legends — Asha Bhosle, R D Burman, Kishore Kumar, Mohd Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, who have risen above the cult of religion and language with their voice that inspired generations of singers, through a Wall Project executed in Mumbai.

Taking the campaign a step further, &TV designed interesting radio spots across stations stressing that music does not differentiate between regional or cultural divide driving home the thought ‘Jaati insaan ki hoti hain, awaaz ki nahi’.

Furthermore, just as cricket unites the country, the channel has rolled out contextual promos emphasizing the format of the show across the sports bulletin of news channels.The idea was to capitalise on the current events by repackaging the product /communication and reaching the message in the space of the viewer. Hence, the channel designed contextual promos by smartly integrating cricket with music to connect with sports enthusiasts.

The campaign is an apt concept yet disruptive for a medium which is used to watching a visual. The channel is throwing a powerful voice and communication which the viewer will relate to. It is an evolved concept but in line with the product. In this case, the format USP which is blind audition and the proposition of Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi, it doesn’t matter who one is; only a good voice can resonate with the audience.

Without involving models, designers or locales, the channel has given enough thought to see how the idea can be extended to a television promo to excite the audience. It may be not be due to cost-efficiency as they have had the best coaches and talent on the channel. The idea was formalised so to strike the right chord with the audience, and get noticed. The message itself is so powerful, that the channel felt there was no need to use other means of communication.

&TV is geared up to premiere the second edition of The Voice India. Mentoring these musical exponents in their journey towards excellence are none other than musicians extraordinaire — the effervescent Shaan, the winner of The Voice India Season 1, Neeti Mohan, the winner of The Voice India Kids, and joining them will be the uber cool Benny Dayal, and the most sought-after singer-composer Salim Merchant as coaches.

Starting on 10 December, the show will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 9pm.

The idea was to play the promos, using a healthy mix of channels to disrupt the mediums and excite the audience to S2 on &TV. The channel has used a mix of talent, celebs and moment-led promos that will give the viewer a taste of the content.

&TV business head Rajesh Iyer said, “The Voice India has struck a chord with the audience with its unbiased and transparent format where the participants are judged only on the basis of their vocal talent. The thought of the campaign – Awaaz Se Bada Na Koi — was inspired by the format itself and we aligned all our ideas towards breaking barriers of media usage. From radio to outdoor, digital and TV, we have some key innovations that are in sync with the campaign thought and will resonate with our audience.”

From the house of Talpa Media and produced by Endemol Shine India, The Voice is a popular global format that has received a thunderous response from the audience and critics alike. It will be interesting to see the coaches fight it out for their favourite singers as they groom and nurture their teams. However, the final power lies in the hands of the audience to determine who will be The Voice of the nation.

December 10, 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
Zindagi, Tata Sky tie up for contest; winners to celebrate New Year in Turkey

MUMBAI: Zindagi, a leading premium entertainment channel, has always offered viewers unique experiences and presented the best stories from across the world.

Taking this value proposition a step ahead, the channel has associated with one of India’s leading content distribution platform providing Pay TV and OTT services, Tata Sky. The ‘Zindagi New Year in Turkey Contest’ will start on 21 November and end on 5 December 2016.

Zindagi will offer Tata Sky subscribers a chance to win an all-expense paid holiday for two to Turkey in January 2017. Five lucky winners along with a companion each will get a chance to visit Turkey by answering few simple questions on the blockbuster primetime series, ‘Fatmagul’ that airs on Zindagi Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) chief business officer Sunil Buch said, “Our Turkish shows have acquainted viewers with a country that is known for its beautiful locations, good stories, great talent and people whose sensibilities and values are similar Indians. Our partnership with Tata Sky allows us us an opportunity to delight viewers with a memorable holiday to Turkey for the appreciation they have given to Turkish shows on Zindagi.”

Tata Sky chief communications officer Malay Dikshit said, “The co-marketing initiative with Zindagi is a win-win for all. Imagine that one can be rewarded for watching good quality TV – something that they enjoy!.”

Tata Sky subscribers can answer questions based on Fatmagul by pressing the Red Button on their Tata Sky remote while watching the show on Zindagi. This will lead them to a landing page where they need to answer few simple questions. The contest will be LIVE on Zindagi only during the original episode airing i.e. from 9: 00 PM to 10: 00 PM, Monday to Saturday. The contest will be promoted heavily through promos on the Default Landing Channel, Search & Scan Banner & Guide Banner across all TATA Sky households.

Zindagi presents finite world stories with bold narratives that unveil universal emotions. Tata Sky, a JV between the Tata Group and 21st Century Fox, was the first to launch multiple products and services that redefined the subscribers viewing experience in the country.

November 19, 2016
Zindagi, Tata Sky tie up for contest; winners to celebrate New Year in Turkey

MUMBAI: Zindagi, a leading premium entertainment channel, has always offered viewers unique experiences and presented the best stories from across the world.

Taking this value proposition a step ahead, the channel has associated with one of India’s leading content distribution platform providing Pay TV and OTT services, Tata Sky. The ‘Zindagi New Year in Turkey Contest’ will start on 21 November and end on 5 December 2016.

Zindagi will offer Tata Sky subscribers a chance to win an all-expense paid holiday for two to Turkey in January 2017. Five lucky winners along with a companion each will get a chance to visit Turkey by answering few simple questions on the blockbuster primetime series, ‘Fatmagul’ that airs on Zindagi Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) chief business officer Sunil Buch said, “Our Turkish shows have acquainted viewers with a country that is known for its beautiful locations, good stories, great talent and people whose sensibilities and values are similar Indians. Our partnership with Tata Sky allows us us an opportunity to delight viewers with a memorable holiday to Turkey for the appreciation they have given to Turkish shows on Zindagi.”

Tata Sky chief communications officer Malay Dikshit said, “The co-marketing initiative with Zindagi is a win-win for all. Imagine that one can be rewarded for watching good quality TV – something that they enjoy!.”

Tata Sky subscribers can answer questions based on Fatmagul by pressing the Red Button on their Tata Sky remote while watching the show on Zindagi. This will lead them to a landing page where they need to answer few simple questions. The contest will be LIVE on Zindagi only during the original episode airing i.e. from 9: 00 PM to 10: 00 PM, Monday to Saturday. The contest will be promoted heavily through promos on the Default Landing Channel, Search & Scan Banner & Guide Banner across all TATA Sky households.

Zindagi presents finite world stories with bold narratives that unveil universal emotions. Tata Sky, a JV between the Tata Group and 21st Century Fox, was the first to launch multiple products and services that redefined the subscribers viewing experience in the country.

November 19, 2016
With d2h merger, Essel Group will have world’s largest subs base

BENGALURU: The Essel group is one of the largest media and entertainment industry players in India. Its flagship company is Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) that has a weightage of 45 per cent on the National Stock Exchange’s Nifty Media Index.

Its group company, Dish TV Limited (Dish) is also is the largest DTH player in the country in terms of number of subscribers. Along with DTH services, the group also has one of the largest cable operators or multi-system operators (MSO) in Siti Networks Limited or Siti (the erstwhile Siti Cable Network Limited). Amongst the major MSOs in India, Siti is the only one that has added 1.5 million (15 lakh) subscribers over the past few quarters, while its peers have had stagnating subscriber numbers.

On combining the number of subscribers, the two carriage industry players are already a force to reckon with – a fact that the Essel Group recognised, and will leverage. In an industry first, the two formed a content negotiating joint venture (JV) called Comnet. Both Dish and Siti are equal partners in the JV that came into existence on 1 July, 2015. As part of the JV, both companies said that they would hold joint discussions with broadcasters post which separate direct contracts between the broadcaster and distribution platform will be signed. Further, the JV’s intent is to bring together the industry on contentious taxation issues like the hike in entertainment tax in Delhi.

Let us look at what we have on the table — Siti had 12.2 million (1.22 crore) subscribers — of which 8.4 million (84 lakh) were digital as per its Q1-17 report, and Dish has reported a subscriber base of 15.1 million (1.51 crore) – totalling 27.3 million(2.73 crore). Now the merger with Videocon d2h will bring in another 12.5 million (1.25 crore) subscribers into the Essel fold for a grand total of 39.8 million (3.98 crore), hence about 2 million (20 lakh) more than the 37.8 million (3.78 crore) subscribers reported for DIRECTV.

Zeel’s channels have been regularly making it to the top five or 10 in the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ratings across various genres, be they Hindi general entertainment (GEC), regional channels, movies, English entertainment, etc. Another group company, Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), offers general news and business news across its television channels.

The fact that a number of the top rated channels are Essel group companies as well as a huge slice of the Indian television subscription market is indeed huge leverage – bear in mind that the group will probably control more than 25 percent of the carriage industry in the country. And what with the sunset date for DAS phase IV nearing with no let-up in sight from the government, subscription numbers will only grow.

With this merger, synergies of the two match perfectly. Dish is more of a value player with offerings for all markets including rural, while Videocon d2h is a premium player.

November 15, 2016