GECs
Zee TV scripts a stellar surge in primetime power
MUMBAI: Zee TV has proved that good stories travel fast and ratings travel faster. The channel has hit a three-year high with a 14.7 per cent urban market share in Q2FY26, powered by a refreshed content slate packed with emotion, ambition and sweeping family drama.
Backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, the flagship Hindi GEC now leads all general entertainment channels across Pay and FTA in core primetime. Its winning streak continues in the Pay Hindi GEC genre, where it commands a 40 per cent share of the top ten shows, thanks to the strong debuts of four new fiction titles.
The line-up of Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Vasudha, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan and Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile has clicked with audiences, weaving familiar emotions and modern aspirations into stories that resonate across households. Characters such as Vasudha and Saru have become anchors of positivity and depth, helping Zee TV strike a balance between tradition and contemporary sentiment.
Adding more colour to its fiction catalogue, the channel recently launched Jagadhatri and is preparing for the arrival of Lakshmi Niwas, which promises grounded, compelling storytelling.
Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni, said the success of the slate marks a defining moment for the network, crediting strong viewer connect and a sharp programming strategy for its primetime dominance and market share milestone.
ZEEL chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur, said the channel remains committed to crafting narratives that reflect India’s diverse stories, adding that the audience’s embrace of its new characters reinforces the power of quality storytelling.
While fiction may be driving the momentum, Zee TV is also strengthening its non-fiction space. The channel’s experimental daily format Chhoriya Chali Gaon earned appreciation for its fresh approach, while Kahani Har Ghar Ki, hosted by Juhi Parmar, spotlighted real stories of courage and resilience. Its latest non-fiction show Ideabaaz brings budding entrepreneurs face to face with investors in a pitch-powered format.
With both fiction and non-fiction firing up audience interest, Zee TV’s programming engine shows no signs of slowing down.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
