GECs
‘Zoom’ing start, but key is sustaining power
MUMBAI: Some may say it is too soon to tell but even the critics will admit that the take-off has been good for the Times Group’s non-fiction entertainment & lifestyle channel Zoom.
As per the data released by TAM Peoplemeter for four weeks (3-30 October, 2004), for the TG SEC AB 15-34 segment, Zoom overtook the channel shares of established channels like Star World, Zee English, NDTV 24×7, CNBC, B4U Movies, FTV, History, Trendz and BBC World. As far as the Mumbai market goes, the channel claims that it has overtaken the channel shares of Channel [V], ETC, HBO, Discovery, National Geographic AXN and Star Utsav besides the channel mentioned above. As far as the time spent by viewers on Zoom goes, it exceeds even the channels like Sahara One and SAB TV.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Times Group president Arun Arora said, “Though we have the first mover advantage in the lifestyle genre, we did not expect the channel to do well so soon. If you look at week 45, the time spent on Zoom has grown to 29 minutes which is higher than any other niche channel. Also, if you look at the market today, it’s unfair competition so we are looking at all the niche channels like Zee English, Star World or Channel [V] and MTV. Though these are not our competitors but what we are saying that viewers are spending more time on the channel.”
Speaking to media planners on the positioning of the channel and the data released, national director investments, GroupM India , Sanjay Chakraborty says, “The data given just provides the demographic information based on numbers. But since here we are talking of a niche lifestyle channel that caters to a different mindset of people. What the channel really needs to understand and get information on is what kind of people are watching the channel, which will be more valuable in terms of understanding the clear positioning of the channel in the market.”
Most of the planners agree to the fact that the figures definitely indicate that the channel has performed well in the initial stages.
Says Initiative Media, associate vice-president Manas Misra, “The numbers do indicate that the channel is doing well in the initial stages, but we will have to wait and watch for some more time to see whether it holds steady and secures loyal viewership. The initial positive response from viewers could also be because of strong marketing support during the launch phase and the curiosity factor.”
As far as the programming goes, five out of the Top 10 programs on niche entertainment channels that include MTV, Channel [V], Zee English, Star World, AXN and Zoom in the four-week period are from Zoom. Dance Divas, anchored by Rohit Roy takes the top slot. In Mumbai, Zoom has 6 out the top 10 programs, with Dance Divas and Mirchi Top 20 at No. 1 and 2.
The performance of Zoom is the best compared to any new pay channel in the last two years during their first six week of launch. Zoom’s GRP’s in its target group (SEC AB 15-34) is higher than NDTV India, NDTV 24X7, Animax, Hungama etc recorded in their respective target groups.
Zoom’s performance in its competitive set in SEC AB 15-34, Hindi speaking markets (1mn+) 4-wk average:
| Channel | Time Spent (mins/viewer) | Channel Share (%) |
| Zoom | 68 | 0.37 |
| MTV | 52 | 0.84 |
| [V] | 47 | 0.54 |
| AXN | 31 | 0.48 |
| Zee English | 26 | 0.22 |
| Star World | 15 | 0.17 |
| S.No. | Channel | Program | TVR |
| 1. | Zoom | Dance Divas | 0.74 |
| 2. | Star World | Rendezvous with Simi Garewal | 0.66 |
| 3. | MTV | MTV Khamosh | 0.62 |
| 4. | Zoom | Mirchi Top 20 | 0.61 |
| 5. | Star World | Cover Story | 0.58 |
| 6. | Zoom | Kyaa Kahein | 0.57 |
| 7. | Zoom | Bole To | 0.56 |
| 8. | Zee English | Mind of the Married Man | 0.55 |
| 9. | Zoom | Friday Fever | 0.54 |
| 10. | MTV | Yash Raj Music | 0.53 |
| HSM 1 MN+ | wk43 | wk44 | wk45 | Avg |
| Zoom | 19 | 25 | 29 | 24.33 |
| MTV | 21 | 20 | 24 | 21.67 |
| [V] | 21 | 15 | 16 | 17.33 |
| ETC | 19 | 18 | 14 | 17.00 |
| Star World | 7 | 12 | 15 | 11.33 |
| AXN | 19 | 18 | 15 | 17.33 |
| Zee English | 16 | 30 | 15 | 20.33 |
| Discovery | 25 | 23 | 28 | 25.33 |
| Nat Geo | 17 | 13 | 15 | 15.00 |
SEC AB 15-34; mins/ viewer/ wk
What now remains to be seen is whether Zoom will climb even higher or plateau off.
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.
