GECs
Rishtey refreshes content line-up; extends early prime-time slots
MUMBAI: In light of free to air (FTA) channels claiming a chunk of ratings according to the all India data by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, Viacom18’s FTA channel Rishtey is all set to ride the wave by launching a volley of fiction offering covering seven days a week as well as by extending its early prime time slot. Additionally, the channel will be sprucing up its weekend programming by introducing kids-friendly content and airing blockbuster movies.
What’s more, along with the introduction of new shows, Rishtey will also be refreshing its channel packaging.
With festivities kicking off in style, Rishtey’s first major outing in 2016 will be the launch of a romantic drama Salaam-E-Ishq, a love-hate story of Zain and Aliya set against the Muslim milieu. The show is set to launch on 11 January and will be aired from Monday t0 Saturday at 9 pm. Pertinent to note here is that this is the same show that previously had its run on Rishtey’s sister channel Colors as Beintehaa.
Aiming to cater to audiences across age-groups and demographics, the channel will also be extending its early prime time slot, starting from 5 pm with the introduction of shows like Pammi Pyarelal at 5pm , Hamari Saas Leela at 5.30 pm, Kitni Mohabbat Hai at 6pm and Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam at 6.30pm.
In 2016, Rishtey will also be giving prominence to kids’ entertainment and focus on interesting content that will cater to the young audience as part of its Sunday morning programming.
The fun filled animated series Chhoti Anandi will capture adventures of an eight year old brave and righteous kid Anandi as she explores innumerable escapades in the company of her friends. Additionally the enchanting tales of Vikram and Betal in Kahaani Vikram Betal Ki will further strengthen the entertainment quotient on Sundays. Chhoti Anandi will air from 17 January at 10 am and will be followed by Kahaani Vikram Betal Ki at 11 am.
What’s more, the channel will also be showcasing the Sansui Colors Stardust Awards, which will be aired on 10 January at 7 pm.
Some of the movie premieres lined up on the channel include movies of 2015 like Manjhi and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2.
Along with the content line up, Rishtey will engage viewers with a series of marketing activities, which includes daily as well as weekly on air contests.
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.
