GECs
Discovery goes the mobile route globally
MUMBAI: With mobile being the latest buzzword in the world of entertainment, Discovery has decided to jump onboard.
It has teamed up with Volantis. Volantis which supplies intelligent content adaptation solutions and services will develop, deploy, and host Discovery’s all-new global mobile portal.
The rollout begins in Asia later this year. Discovery’s global mobile service will be available through the branded portals of mobile network operators, as well as ‘direct to device’ for subscribers who have Internet access via their mobile phone.
The new portal will provide consumers around the globe with an array of content from all of Discovery’s brands delivered in various forms including news and information, images, video clips, guides to programmes, SMS/MMS messages, ringtones, truetones and quizzes. It will also offer pioneering services in support of the company’s lifestyle programming such as a Pregnancy Calendar.
This concept, based on an actual conception date, will send a message, every week throughout the duration of the pregnancy, containing pictures and information on the baby’s progress as well as health tips and advice.
The Volantis intelligent content adaptation solution recognises more than 350 attributes of more than 1,300 mobile devices allowing it to generate, in real-time, precise content optimised for each individual mobile handset. This means that each Discovery mobile user will receive an extremely high quality brand experience.
Discovery Networks International VP New Media Tanya Field says, “As a leading provider of entertainment and information programming, Discovery looks for new ways to deliver its content to consumers on their terms. We want to offer a sophisticated mobile solution that complements our existing channels, deepens our customer relationships and provides for more choice and flexibility. Volantis’ award-winning technology and proven success in working with other international brands on a large-scale makes them the ideal technology partner in this endeavour.”
Volantis CTO Mark Watson commented, “Overcoming the challenge of delivering a wealth of brand assets across a diverse global mix of operators and mobile devices is exactly the problem that Volantis Intelligent Content Adaptation technology solves. Our solution will allow Discovery to deliver a consistent brand experience and will support the growth of its creative content distribution in the mobile environment.
The Discovery service will utilise the Volantis Managed Service solution, also used by customers such as Reuters, eBay.co.uk, and FT.com, which provides end-to-end management and optimised delivery of both centralised and localised content to thousands of different devices across any network. Volantis will manage all aspects of delivery including integration in to operator portals and billing systems, content management, download and messaging services.
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.
