GECs
Enterr10 to launch two Bengali channels
MUMBAI: There was a time when Hindi speaking market was much preferred by the Indian audiences, whereas regional markets weren’t much spoken about. Considering the increasing viewers’ interests towards regional space, broadcasters have also planned to shift their focus on launching regional channels for the viewers.
Enterr10, an Indian media and entertainment company which already has a Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) called Dangal TV, a Bhojpuri and Marathi movie channel named Bhojpuri Cinema and Fakt Marathi in their cluster. The company has added another feather to its cap by launching two more Bengali channels, which will be GEC and a movie channel.
A source close to the development confirmed the news and revealed that Enterr10 Bangla will be a GEC channel and Shaandaar Cinema will be a Bengali movie channel. “Both these channels are SD and free-to-air. The GEC channel will have original content. As of now, everything is the in the planning process.”
The source also disclosed that both the channels will be launched in the next two months. “We have already the soft channels. The dates of the launch will be decided within 3-4 days.”
The network has started test transmission service from Intelsat17 satellite at 66.0 degree east.
The other players in the Bengali GEC and movies market include Star, Zee, Sony and Colors. Sun TV is the other network that will set the ball rolling to enter into the Bengali market. It will be interesting to know whther or not these regional GECs and movie channels are able to resonate well with the Indian audiences.
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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.
