MxMIndia

Tag: Zee Media Corporation Limited

  • Envisions future of excellence in journalism

    Zee News onboards Rahul Sinha as Managing Editor

    Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) has onboarded journalist Rahul Sinha as theManaging Editor of Zee News.

    Said Abhay Ojha, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for Sinha’s return. He said: “Rahul Sinha’s appointment as Managing Editor heralds a new chapter of excellence for Zee News. His wealth of experience and proven track record in the industry will undoubtedly elevate our editorial standards and strengthen our position as a trusted news source. With Rahul at the helm, we are confident that Zee News will continue to uphold the highest principles of journalism.”

  • Before joining Zee Media, he served as National Head for The Q

    Pankaj Rai is Business Head of Wion & Zee Business

    Pankaj Rai
    Pankaj Rai

    Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) has announced the appointment of Pankaj Rai as the new Business Head for Wion and Zee Business

    Raj brings over 15 years of extensive experience spanning the realms of broadcast and digital media. Before joining Zee Media, he served as National Head for The Q. Prior to that, he held a significant role at Zee Entertainment for more than a decade, managing revenue portfolios for channels such as Zee TV, Zee Cinema, and Zee Bollywood in the North and East regions.

    Notes a communique: “We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our team and propel us towards our goals.  We are excited about the fresh perspectives and ideas he will bring to the table as we continue to grow and innovate.”

  • Brings together news and cultural richness and diversity

    Zee Bharat channel launched

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) has launched ‘Zee Bharat,’ a mix of news and culture. It was launched on January 22.

     

    Said Abhay Ojha, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited: “In the dynamic realm of media, Zee Media Corporation Limited stands resolute as a beacon of reliability and dynamism, driven by a belief in the transformative power of news. Our unwavering mission is to continually elevate the standards of journalism, offering our audience a trustworthy source amid the abundance of information. With ‘ZEE Bharat,’ we transcend the conventional boundaries of news. It’s not merely a medium; it’s a vibrant platform beckoning audiences to embark on a refreshing, distinctly Indian news journey. Brace yourselves for an exhilarating exploration where news intertwines seamlessly with the celebration of our nation’s rich cultural tapestry and diversity.”

     

    Added Mona Jain, Chief Revenue Officer, ZMCL: “Zee Bharat transcends conventional news channels; it’s an immersive experience that mirrors the cultural richness and pride of our country. Advertisers can now join us in this celebration, forging connections with audiences who seek more than just information – they seek an emotional connection with their heritage.”

     

  • Set to redefine our interaction with local news

    ZMCL launches Al-Driven Pinewz Hyperlocal News app

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee Media Corporation Limited, (ZMCL) has launched an Al-driven PINEWZ Hyperlocal News app.

     

    Notes a commuique: “It provides professional journalists with a platform to create online profiles and share impactful stories and videos, connecting directly with a local audience.”

     

    Notes an unnamed Zee Media Corporation Limited spokesperson: “At PINEWZ, we seamlessly integrate cutting-edge AI with the art of human storytelling to craft a unique experience. Beyond being a mere app, we stand as your community’s storytellers, where diverse voices—ranging from everyday individuals to seasoned journalists. Picture a space where these local perspectives intertwine, offering a personalized narrative curated as per the users’ PIN code. We’re not just transforming how news is delivered, but look forward to elevating it into an art form. Join us on this journey, and together, let’s capture the authentic essence of your community as it unfolds in real time.”

     

  • To launch the Season 2 of Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards

    Zee Media & Greenply unite to honour craftsmen

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee Media Corporation Limited joins forces with Greenply to present the Season 2 of Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards, 2024. The event will telecast on Zee Media channels along with its digital properties.

     

    Said Yatnesh Pandey, VP of Marketing, Greenply Industries: “Hindustan Ki Shaan (HKS) Awards is an immersive tribute to the carpenter & contractor community, the heartbeat of the interior design industry. Through various programs, we engage, support and upskill them. With HKS, our endeavour is to recognize the immense talent of the carpenter community and give them a platform to showcase their craftsmanship.”

     

    Echoing this sentiment, Anindya Khare, Marketing Head of Zee Media Corporation Limited, added: “Our partnership with Greenply for Hindustan Ki Shaan Awards Season 2 is more than a collaboration; it’s a collective effort to recognize and honor the craftsmen whose hands create the magic within the walls of our homes. This collaboration is a testament to our joint commitment to fostering an environment that appreciates and applauds the artisans behind the scenes.”

     

  • To launch music festival on the ghats of Varanasi

    Zee Media, Havas Play and Namami Gange get together

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Play, Zee Media, and Namami Gange have come together to launch a music festival ‘Ganga Kinare’ on the ghats of Varanasi. The initiative aims to celebrate the cultural richness of Varanasi and raise awareness about the significance of the river Ganga.

     

    Said Abhay Ojha, CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited said: “At Zee Media, we believe in the power of storytelling through diverse mediums. Our partnership with Havas Play and Namami Gange, stands at the forefront of a cultural and environmental movement. Through this festival, we invite our widespread viewers and readers to not just witness but actively participate in the call for river conservation and cultural preservation. Let the music be the bridge that connects us to the soul of Varanasi and the sacred Ganga.”

     

    Added Mona Jain, CRO – ZMCL: “Ganga Kinare Music Festival is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to unite people in celebration. We firmly believe in the profound impact of cultural initiatives and are thrilled to be part of this initiative that harmonizes the beats of our traditions with the melodies of the Ganges, fostering a deeper connection with our roots and a commitment to the conservation of our sacred rivers.”

     

    Said R Venkatasubramanian, Managing Director – Havas Play and President Investments – Havas Media: “India’s rich legacy continues to influence and enthral people from around the world. It is critical that we find newer ways to celebrate them and pass on the legacy to the newer generation. Music is the universal language that binds people across all age groups, and transcends geographies. Hence Ganga Kinare Music Festival blends in the power of music in the historic city of Varanasi on the banks of the holy Ganga. The Festival aspires not just to captivate audiences but to crescendo into a global festival deeply rooted in India’s history, evolving with the beats of our collective journey.”

     

  • To drive growth and revenue

    ZMCL ropes in Mona Jain as CRO

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) ropes in Mona Jain as chief revenue officer (CRO). Jain has more than 30 years of experience in media marketing and promotions. Jain, worked with ABP Network as Chief Revenue Officer for more than 3 years and before joining ABP Network in November 2019, Jain had spent six years in Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd. (ZEEL), serving as Executive Vice President, AD Sales.

     

    Prior to her tenure in ZEEL, Jain was the CEO of Vivaki Exchange for almost nine years, where she was designated as India Head – Strategic Investments. She has also worked at Cheil Communications and Mudra Communications in the past, where she held the positions of Executive Director and Media Director respectively and was responsible for setting up media for various brands. She started her career with Hindustan Thompson Associates (HTA) and holds vast experience in the field of communications and marketing.

     

    Abhay Ojha, Chief Business Officer – ZMCL, said: “We are excited to have Mona Jain come on board with her expertise in the revenue domain. We look forward to driving growth and revenue for the brand and take it to greater heights with each passing day.”

     

  • To adopt new ways to engage with the viewers

    Zee News announces 21-day contest

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee News has announced a new campaign titled ‘Gyan Bhi, Inaam Bhi’ for a contest which started on August 14.

     

    Speaking about the contest, Joy Chakraborthy, Chief Business Officer, Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) said: “We, at Zee Media, with a monthly reach of 500 million population spread across the nation, have always believed in the philosophy of engaging with the viewers and interacting with them. The Zee News campaign ‘Gyaan Bhi, Inaam Bhi’, is aimed at the same direction. I am looking forward to witnessing a large number of participants for this upcoming contest.”

     

    Added Anindya Khare, Marketing Head, Zee Media: “Gyan Bhi, Inaam Bhi is an ideal campaign to connect with the audience and gratify them. In adopting such an innovative approach, we are coming out with a campaign which is not only limited to our target audience but also touching base with different age groups through relevant information dissemination.”

     

  • Has built its brand as Marathi news channel

    Zee 24 Taas celebrates 15 years

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee 24 Taas, Marathi news channel, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

     

    Said Nilesh Khare, Editor & Business head, Zee 24 Taas: “The journey of Zee 24 Taas began in February 2007, that has touched Maharashtrians across the country and our progress has been consistent. The interactive approach & highly engaged viewer ensures that public opinion reaches to the authorities.”

     

    Added Anindya Khare, Head of Marketing, Zee Media Corporation Limited: “The channel has shown consistent growth and is popular ahead of various other Marathi News Channels. Our team members are always on the hunt looking forward to new interviews, videos, and news that professionally describe the latest events in the country. We wish the editorial board to continue their fruitful work.”

     

  • Sputnik and Wion aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication.

    From Russia, With Love. Wion & Sputnik announce partnership

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee Media’s English news channel Wion and Russian news agency Sputnik have exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Russia.

    The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited channel Wion..

    Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries.

    Said Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, Wion: “A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape.”

    Said Vasily Pushkov, Sputnik Head of International Projects, at a letter-exchange ceremony between Wion and Sputnik at Vladivostok: “The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience,”

  • Creative mandate for six channels including Zee News, and digital

    Mullen Lintas wins creative mandate of Zee Media

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee Media Corporation Limited has appointed Mullen Lintas as its creative agency. The win is an outcome of a multi-agency pitch involving industry heavyweights. The agency’s mandate is for Zee News along with other channels including Zee Business, Zee Hindustan, Zee 24 Ghanta, Zee 24 Taas, Zee 24 Kalak and Zee Digital.

     

    Vikas Mehta

    Commenting on the win, Vikas Mehta, CEO, Mullen Lintas, said: “With its tremendous reach and following, Zee Media is a powerhouse that informs India, in its several native languages. This quality mandates the brand to speak from a point of authenticity, which is way ahead of several media houses. We are delighted to be named their partners in shaping this brand, and starting this journey in a milestone year where India goes to vote. We aim to bring the best of our challenger thinking to help Zee Media, build a lasting bond with their audiences.”

     

    Sujeet Mishra

    Added Sujeet Mishra, Marketing Head, Zee Media: “Zee media is the strongest news network in India with multiple channels offering news across the country including vernacular. News viewers have shown great content affinity for Zee. The task at hand is to take the brand story forward and allow zee media brands to lead a new thinking. The most striking elements about Mullen Lintas’ pitch was its ability to get the task articulated very clearly. In a multi-agency pitch process, the strategic and creative illustration of the challenge was very convincing. And we decided to partner with Mullen Lintas.”

     

    Syed Amjad Ali

    Sharing his thoughts about the win, Syed Amjad Ali, President, Mullen Lintas, said: “It was an exciting brief to crack. We breathe news, breaking news, biased news, fake news, divisive news, etc. News talks to us from within, and has become part of our sub-conscious. And each one of us at Mullen are designed like that. We leveraged this collective thinking and put it to use for Zee Media. Quite natural for us to find a meaning for Zee which resonated with them”.

     

    The business will be handled by the Delhi (NCR) offices of Mullen Lintas where a multi-disciplinary team has been devoted to develop the brand footprint.

     

     

  • While Big Magic & Big Ganga and the four licences will be part of ZEEL, 49% of 92.7 Big FM becomes part of Zee Media

    Reliance ADAG exits television, 49% of radio. Sells to Zee

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Zee group has acquired the Reliance Broadcast Network Limited’s entertainment channels (plus four other licences it owns) along with 49 per cent stake in 92.7 Big FM. The transactions will help reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital, said Sam Ghosh, Executive Director and Group CEO, Reliance Capital.

     

    Radio:

    The Board of Directors of Zee Media Corporation Limited has approved acquisition of 49% stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the radio broadcasting business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited runs the largest network of FM radio channels in India – 45 operational licenses (issued under Phase II and migrated to Phase III) and 14 new licenses (issued under Phase III). The FM channels are being broadcast under the brand “92.7 BIG FM”, reaching to 45 cities, 1200 towns and over 200 million people. It reaches out to around 43 million listeners per week and engages with a large number of national and local advertisers.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited shall be transferring the 45 operational and 14 new licences into two SPVs respectively along with the assets and liabilities. ZMCL shall acquire 49% stake in each of these two SPVs. ZMCL and Reliance Broadcast Network Limited shall also have a call/put option to acquire/sell the balance 51% after the lock-in provisions on the permission holder of these licenses expire. As per MIB regulations, at least 51% shareholding needs to be held by the permission holder for a minimum period of three years from the date the channels were operationalised. The lock-in period for the 45 operational licenses shall expire on March 31, 2018, whilst the lock-in period for the 14 licences shall expire after the expiry of three years from the day all 14 licences shall have become operational, which is expected to be around March 2020.

     

    Said Rajiv Singh, COO, ZMCL: “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which shall not only be complementary to our current business but accelerate its growth too. We are currently running successfully a bouquet of 11 news and current affair channels and with the addition of 59 radio licenses, we will be reaching out to a much increased audience base and will keep them engaged on different media platforms. This acquisition shall bring about the desired business diversity and will help in achieving the sound financial objectives at an accelerated pace. We are confident that this investment will enhance value for all stakeholders and looking forward towards this exciting journey to take the company to the next level.”

     

    Said Sam Ghosh, ED and Group CEO, Reliance Capital in a statement: “We are happy to bring in Zee Media as our partner in the Radio business. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital”.

     

    The proposed transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals including Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of CY2017.

     

    Television:

    Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (“ZEEL”) has also approved the acquisition of the general entertainment broadcasting business undertaking of Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited, Big Magic Limited and Azalia Broadcast Private Limited, all part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group entities through a scheme of demerger and execution of definitive agreements in relation to such proposed acquisition..  The TV Broadcasting business of Reliance Group Entities currently comprises two operational general entertainment channels (“BIG Magic” and “BIG Ganga”) and 4 other TV licenses.

     

    BIG Magic is a Comedy channel catering to Hindi Speaking Markets. BIG Ganga is a leading Bhojpuri entertainment channel catering to audiences in Bihar, Jharkhand and Purvanchal. The channels are available on all major MSOs and DTH operators.

     

    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.

     

    Said Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEEL: “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, a leading Bhojpuri channel syncs with our strategy of expanding into the regional markets which offers attractive growth potential. I am confident that these two channels will make the Zee Network channels more enriching for the audience and for the Company.”

     

    Said Sam Ghosh, ED and Group CEO, Reliance Capital: “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 proposed transaction remains subject to approval of the shareholders and requisite regulatory approvals including stock exchanges, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Bombay Hight Court. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of CY2017.