GECs
ZMCL reports improved revenue, operating profit for first quarter
BENGALURU: The Essel Group’s news network Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) reported 9.7 percent growth in operating revenue on the back of a 16.7 percent hike in advertising revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2017 (Q1-18, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y). The company’s subscription revenue however declined 29 percent y-o-y. ZMCL’s operating revenue in the current quarter was Rs 1,144.53 million and Rs 1,043.23 million in Q1-17. Total Income in Q1-18 was also 9.7 percent higher y-o-y at Rs1,176.43 million as compared to Rs1,072.41 million.
Operating profit (EBIDTA) in the current quarter increased 14.4 percent to Rs 252.17 million as compared to Rs 220.43 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Profit after tax (PAT) in Q1-18 was however 25 percent lower at Rs 73.8 million as compared to Rs 98.5 million in Q1-17, partly affected by the share of loss of Rs 23.46 million by ZMCL’s associates and a rise in expenses.
Total expenditure in Q1-18 increased 11.3 percent to Rs 1,027.27 million from Rs 922.85 million in Q1-17.
Operating costs increased 26.4 percent y-o-y to Rs 198.26 million as compared to Rs 156.90 million. Finance costs in the current quarter increased 57.3 percent y-o-y to Rs 51.15 million from Rs 32.51 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.
Employee benefit expense in Q1-18 increased 18.2 percent to Rs 293.97 million from Rs 248.64 million in Q1-17.
The company spent 42.1 percent less towards Advertising and Publicity expense in the current quarter at Rs 30.97 million as compared to Rs 53.49 million in Q1-17. ZMCL’s marketing, distribution and business promotion expense in Q1-18 increased 1.33 percent y-o-y o Rs 130.96 million as compared to Rs129.24 million. Other expense in the current quarter increased 1.56 percent y-o-y o Rs 238.20 million as compared to Rs 234.53.
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.
