GECs
Hungama adds Supa Strikas to programming line-up
MUMBAI: Hungama, known for engaging kids with entertaining content that is specially curated for them, will be taking the fun quotient a notch higher with the launch of a brand new show – Supa Strikas on 21 December 2020 at 7.30 PM.
Reaching out to a whopping 670* + million kids, the channel has consistently been entertaining young viewers with shows and characters that they love and has become a favourite amongst them. The Hagemaru Show is one of the most loved shows in the genre enjoying a high viewership with 427* impressions along with Shinchan which garnered 319* impressions in addition to other popular series like Selfie with Bajrangi and more.
Following the success of the existing series, the channel will now launch Supa Strikas for the first time on Indian Television. With a narrative that follows a leading football team as they journey across the globe and outer space, the series will take the young viewers through the behind the scenes at the world's greatest soccer club who are on a quest to win the prized Super League trophy.
“Hungama, through the shows and characters, has always celebrated the spirit of childhood; capturing the child’s imagination, playfulness and the zest to be adventurous. Kids have loved the series that we bring on Hungama and the consistent performance of the channel along with the success of all our shows are a testament to its success and popularity. Our newest show Supa Strikas will be a perfect addition to the channel bringing in elements of fun, adventure, sportsmanship and friendship,” said a Disney Kids Network spokesperson.
Today, the Disney Kids Network is one of the most preferred destinations for entertainment by kids and commands a share of 31 per cent*among kids.
* Source: BMW Software, India Urban, 2-14 YRS, All Days, 0700-2300, Wk 41-48’ 20
Catch Supa Strikas on Hungama from Monday to Thursday at 7:30 PM, 21 December onwards.
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.
