GECs
Sony’s stellar show ‘CID’ on an upswing
MUMBAI: Sony’s long-running crime thriller CID, which has been a sustainable asset for the channel over the last six years, has seen a recent upsurge in its performance.
In the latest ratings for week 48, CID in the all India C&S 4+ market garnered a good 3.7 TVR making it to the 29th place for the first time. The interesting point of note here is that CID, which follows a thriller format and has been running on Sony for eons now and for a show like that to beat the big ticket show Idol and the other regular on the top 50 list Kkusum and manage a slot in the 20’s is definitely noteworthy. CID, has seen a consistent rise in its ratings in recent times.
Looking at the show’s recent ratings (week 48), the show hit a five TVR in the Hindi speaking markets (HSM) (Male & Female) in the 15 to 34 age group. The average of the Hindi speaking metros (HSM) was 5.8 TVR and HSM C&S 4+ garnered 5.7 TVR.
Moving in the city wise ratings, Delhi ruled with 6.7 TVR, followed by Mumbai which received a 6.1 TVR and Kolkata brought in 3.8 TVR.
Flashing back looking at the performance of CID over the last couple of weeks, week 45 in the all India market C&S 4+ , the show raked up a rating of 3.1 TVR and managed the 44th slot. Week 46 saw the show up 0.2 TVRs at 3.4 in the 33rd slot. Although week 47 saw it drop, week 48 has seen the show come back with a bang.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony EVP programming and response Tarun Katial points out, “The show is the longest ever running thriller. And the fact that we’ve got in a stronger story line as well as started dwelling into the personal lives of the cops has added to it. We’ve also launched a series of new faces and cops. And finally due credit goes to the director BP Singh.”
CID although hasn’t been hogging the limelight with double-digit TVR figures, its consistent presence week-after-week is an indicator that it has a loyal following even after six years of being on-air. What is heartening is that at a time when elaborate family dramas continue to occupy viewer mindspace, this is one show among very few others that has bucked the trend with its consistent viewership.
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.
