GECs
ITV inks deal with Mobile Interactive for 3G tech
MUMBAI: Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), the global multimedia mobile services specialist, announced a unique technical partnership to provide Europes largest broadcaster, ITV, with a full range of mobile interactive services on a preferred supplier basis across the UK and Ireland.
Mobile Interactive Group managing director Barry Houlihan said, “ITVs complete range of mobile services will be delivered and billed using MIGs purpose built premium SMS delivery platform. Voting for event led entertainment shows such as I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here will be handled by MIGs industry leading, high volume SMS voting application Votewinner.”
A full range of strategic services will also be provided, including consultancy on emerging mobile applications relevant for TV and production support to the development of new mobile concepts. This will enable ITV to target its viewers with pioneering mobile video and 3G applications. ITV will also be able to service its commercial partners wishing to develop mobile based revenue opportunities.
The partnership demonstrates a major commitment by ITV to making mobile a key interactive revenue stream, enabling ITV to capitalise on its leading position in interactive entertainment and further build on the huge success of shows like This Morning and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
MIGs purpose built technology has a proven pedigree, having delivered mass interactive mobile services for broadcasters and production companies in both Europe and Asia.
“ITV is emerging as a leader in participation based broadcasting. The partnership with MIG is testament to its commitment to delivering compelling programming which pushes the boundaries of audience participation through mobile interactivity,” Houlihan said.
“MIG has worked with broadcasters from across the globe to deliver interactive mobile services and welcomes the opportunity to deliver some mobile technology firsts with ITV during the coming months,” he added.
ITV Interactive head Jane Marshall said, “ITV will benefit from MIGs worldwide expertise to facilitate the launch of new mobile revenue streams and build on its previous successes in this space. With MIGs combined people, technology and approach, we are currently developing mobile services which will enable our viewers to interact like never before with our award winning roster of entertainment programmes.”
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.
