GECs
Colors expands distribution in the US
MUMBAI: To further expand its distribution in the US market, general entertainment channel (GEC) Colors, known as Aapka Colors in the US and Canada announced its partnership with Verizon FiOS TV.
It will join several other top South Asia-targeted programming services – TV Asia, SET Asia, Star India, Star Plus and Zee TV in Verizon’s South Asian programming package which retails for $34.99 (Rs 2049.19).
The addition of Aapka Colors brings a power packed programming mix from scripted series and reality shows to the biggest Bollywood blockbuster movies, award shows and special events to Verizon’s South Asian programming line-up.
The network is dedicated to providing wholesome viewing for the entire family through reality programs like Mission Sapne, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, Dancing with the Stars: Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss. The network also airs long running series such as Balika Vadhu, Uttaran, and Madhubala.
Commenting on the development, IndiaCast Group COO Gaurav Gandhi said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of Aapka Colors on Verizon FiOS. The channel has been entertaining millions of viewers around the world each night with its engaging content and now Verizon customers will get a chance to be entertained and delighted by the biggest dramas, reality shows and movies on the channel. It is a household name in every South Asian home in the country and this deal with Verizon FiOS bridges a critical gap we had in our distribution to reach our audiences.”
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.
