GECs
Into the mind of a TV network programmer
How does a programmer really know he/she has hit the bull‘s eye with a story? Thinking of concepts and genres all the time; he/she could be toying with ten elusive ideas at one time.And when the time comes, might well chuck all the scripts in favour of an eleventh one.
It was with this end in mind that Indiantelevision.com decided to pick the brains of the people who bring the likes of Tulsi, Jassi and Simran into our homes. Some of them could well be referred to as the best programming brains in the country; professionals who have a natural flair for conceiving the right mix.
| Mass entertainment channels (DD, Star Plus, Sony, Zee, Sahara) continued to dominate television space both in viewership and revenue in 2004, according to TAM Media Research. Hindi entertainment channels account for 40 per cent of the country‘s TV viewership and 52 per cent of total advertisement revenue |
In a series of free wheeling conversations, these creative powerhouses reveal their likes, dislikes and offer their take on the programming paradigm shifts that have and are impacting the Hindi entertainment television landscape.
As Star India‘s Deepak Segal puts it, “Most of it is really on gut feel. But, yes – the rejection rate of stories and scripts is also very, very high.” Then there are those like SET India‘s Tarun Katial who, along with gut feel, also swear by qualitative market research. Whereas Markand Adhikari feels the Indian audiences are not really ready for something new.
Before getting into some serious programmerspeak, a quick scan down memory lane of the shows that left their imprint on Hindi entertainment television is in order. Years back we had chartbusters like Hum Log and Buniyaad, which took the country by storm. Then came what was arguably the biggest TRP chartbuster of all time, Ramayan. After that however, it has been private C&S television that has set the agenda. There was the era of Tara and Amaanat on Zee TV, then came the subtle themes like Saans and Sailaab.
Cut to 2000 with the super success of KBC and then of course came in the Balaji K series that have endured even after the ultimate game show ended its run.
So what could the next big thing be?
While content remains king on the general entertainment channels; the search is also constantly on for the next big concept cutting across all SECs and markets. And with other niche channels eating into their pie, the task seems to be getting tougher. At the end of the day, they have to produce programming that brings in audiences and revenues. So, where does the buck stop?
In terms of content, the buck clearly stops at the programming head. He/she would funnel all the programming coming on to the channel along with a team of producers and creative professionals. With a large-scale perspective on content, a sense of creativity, the programming head should also be alert to strategy, business and advertising angles. The role can actually get very fuzzy at times. Many feel the thinking and preferences of a programming head can often be seen in the final look of the channel.
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“We‘ve definitely evolved as an industry” Deepak Segal – Executive VP Content and Communications, Star India Read On |
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“I‘ve trained myself to like what the viewer likes” Tarun Katial – Business Head, SET India Read On |
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“We have definitely progressed technically but conceptwise we‘ve gone back in time” Markand Adhikari – Vice Chairman and Managing Director, SAB TV Read On |
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“TV is a progressive medium and content is the main driver” Karuna Samtani – COO, SaharaOne Read On |
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“India is too volatile a market to easily predict any definite trend” Ashwini Yardi – Vice President, Programming, Zee TV Read On |
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
