GECs
Zee gets thumbs up on ESG from S&P; leads media sector in ESG rankings
MUMBAI: Even as certain government bodies are investigating Zee Entertainment for lack of transparency and for misuse of corporate funds in India, a global rating provider S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment has given it a score of 44, placing it among the top 10 per cent of global media companies and well above the industry average of 20.
Ironical is it not? A prophet is not recognised in his own country, but is venerated elsewhere.
The Indian media powerhouse recorded a 16-point improvement from 2023, reaching the 93rd percentile in the global media, movies and entertainment sector. The company achieved top marks in transparency and reporting, whilst scoring above the 90th percentile in business ethics, cybersecurity, labour practices, and customer relations.
“Sustainable growth remains key to driving long-term success”, said Zee CEO Punit Goenka, emphasising the company’s focus on environmental sustainability and governance frameworks.
The assessment evaluated Zee’s management of material ESG risks through company disclosures, stakeholder analysis, and detailed corporate engagement. The score reflects Zee’s enhanced commitment to responsible business practices as it seeks to maintain its position as a leading entertainment provider in Asia’s third-largest economy.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
