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Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as the streaming giant celebrated a decade of operations in India and announced the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, a long-term investment aimed at developing the country’s creative talent ecosystem. The multi-phase initiative seeks to strengthen India’s pipeline of creators in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming and comics, building on Netflix’s collaboration with the Indian creative industry over the past 10 years. During this period, the platform has produced more than 200 original titles and filmed across 100+ locations in the country. According to Netflix, the initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision by enhancing skill development, industry partnerships and creator training to position India as a global storytelling hub. As part of the first phase, Netflix will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to jointly develop specialised courses in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also sponsor 100 scholarships for Indian students enrolled in IICT’s in-person programmes, covering areas such as interactive comics, sequential art, virtual production, character animation, and e-sports and gaming management. In another key partnership, Netflix has joined hands with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train audio description writers and voice artists, making films and series more accessible to audiences with visual and hearing impairments while adhering to international accessibility standards. Sarandos said India has long been one of the world’s richest storytelling nations and reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to investing in the next generation of Indian creators. He added that strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem would create more opportunities for emerging talent while taking Indian stories to global audiences. The visit also commemorated Netflix’s 10-year journey in India through an event organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. During the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India launched “As Seen on Netflix,” a dedicated section on the Incredible India website that allows viewers to explore real-life locations, cultural traditions and experiences featured in Netflix productions. Sarandos also participated in a fireside discussion with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art, where they highlighted the role of authentic storytelling in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage and supporting India’s creative economy. The event also showcased two new promotional films celebrating India’s wildlife and cultural heritage. The collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India last year to promote India’s tourism and cultural diplomacy through storytelling. Highlighting its decade-long journey in India, Netflix cited acclaimed productions such as The Elephant Whisperers, Amar Singh Chamkila, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Musafir Café, Made in Korea and the upcoming patriotic series Operation Safed Sagar as examples of Indian stories resonating with audiences worldwide. As Netflix enters its second decade in India, the company said it will continue investing in India’s creative workforce while helping more local stories reach international audiences. Source: Variety

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative Read More »

No TV Ratings Agency Registered Under New Policy, MIB Informs Parliament

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Television audience ratings in India will remain suspended for the time being, as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has informed Parliament that no audience measurement agency has been registered under the Television Ratings Policy, 2026. Responding to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan stated that the new policy requires all television audience measurement agencies to obtain registration before they can operate. He confirmed that no organisation has been registered under the new framework so far. The development means broadcasters, advertisers and media agencies continue to operate without official television audience ratings, as the industry has not yet transitioned to the new regulatory system. Although the ministry has been working with the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to implement the revised framework, it has not provided a timeline for the resumption of TV ratings. According to the government, the Television Ratings Policy, 2026 replaces the 2014 Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies and introduces updated rules governing the registration, operations, auditing and oversight of audience measurement agencies. The policy aims to improve transparency, accountability and independence in television audience measurement while encouraging greater competition in the sector. As part of these reforms, the minimum net worth requirement for television ratings agencies has been reduced from Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, making it easier for new entrants to participate. The new framework also adopts a technology-neutral approach, allowing audience measurement across traditional linear television, Connected TVs (CTV) and television channels available through OTT platforms. Source: Economic Times  

No TV Ratings Agency Registered Under New Policy, MIB Informs Parliament Read More »

Zee Entertainment Bags Exclusive Bundesliga Media Rights in India for Five Years

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has significantly expanded its sports broadcasting portfolio by securing the exclusive television and digital media rights for Germany’s premier football competition, the Bundesliga, in India for the next five years. Starting from the 2026–27 season, Indian football fans will be able to watch Bundesliga matches exclusively on ZEE5 along with the company’s sports television network, Unite8 Sports channels. The agreement will provide viewers with comprehensive access to live matches, highlights, and additional football-focused programming throughout the season. The acquisition marks another major step in Zee’s growing investment in international sports broadcasting, coming shortly after its strategic partnership with FIFA. With this move, the company is aiming to strengthen its position in India’s competitive sports entertainment market while enhancing premium sports offerings for ZEE5 subscribers. Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer of Unite8 Sports at Zee Entertainment, stated that Bundesliga remains one of the world’s most exciting football leagues, known for its passionate fan base, elite clubs, and strong focus on nurturing young talent. As part of the collaboration, Zee and Bundesliga are also expected to introduce football development initiatives in India, including grassroots programs, coaching clinics, and youth engagement activities designed to support the growth of football talent in the country. The partnership further reinforces Zee’s long-term strategy of building a stronger football ecosystem in India by bringing one of Europe’s biggest and most competitive football leagues closer to millions of Indian sports fans. Source: Economic Times

Zee Entertainment Bags Exclusive Bundesliga Media Rights in India for Five Years Read More »

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Weekend Crosses 100 Million Viewers Across Zee Platforms

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The opening weekend of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered a strong start for Zee Entertainment Enterprises, drawing more than 100 million viewers across its television, digital, and social media platforms, according to company figures. Streaming platform ZEE5 recorded nearly six million viewers between June 11 and June 14, excluding engagement from the Germany versus Curaçao fixture that aired post-midnight. The company revealed that average watch time per viewer, including the tournament’s opening ceremony and live matches, exceeded 190 minutes during the period. Beyond streaming and television, the tournament also generated significant traction on social media, registering over 360 million views across platforms. Zee’s promotional campaign, #Watchega, further amplified audience engagement, reaching more than 330 million users online. On the broadcast side, Zee stated that its sports network, Unite8 Sports, reached an estimated 25 million households during the tournament’s opening weekend, adding substantially to the overall audience numbers. A company spokesperson said the response highlights the rising popularity of football content among Indian audiences, adding that viewership is likely to grow further as the tournament advances. To strengthen fan engagement, the company has also partnered with public viewing operators and introduced interactive fan initiatives across multiple cities throughout the tournament. Source: Economic Times  

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Weekend Crosses 100 Million Viewers Across Zee Platforms Read More »

ZEEL Strengthens Zee5 Infrastructure and Anti-Piracy Measures Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has significantly enhanced the technology capabilities of its OTT platform Zee5 while stepping up anti-piracy measures to ensure a smooth and secure viewing experience for football fans across India. As the official broadcaster and digital streaming partner for the tournament in India, ZEEL has upgraded Zee5’s streaming infrastructure to efficiently handle a surge in viewership and support millions of concurrent users during live matches. The company has implemented advanced monitoring systems, backup mechanisms, and platform resilience measures to maintain uninterrupted service throughout the tournament. To combat illegal streaming and content theft, ZEEL has also secured a dynamic injunction from the Delhi High Court. The legal order enables swift action against unauthorized streaming platforms by allowing the real-time blocking of mirror and proxy websites, helping protect the value of its broadcast rights. The company said these technological and legal initiatives are designed to deliver a seamless viewing experience while safeguarding premium sports content. The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract record-breaking digital audiences, making platform reliability and content security critical priorities for broadcasters. Source: Economic Times

ZEEL Strengthens Zee5 Infrastructure and Anti-Piracy Measures Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Read More »

India’s Television Industry Under Mounting Pressure as Audiences and Advertisers Shift Online

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

India’s television broadcasting sector is facing increasing challenges as more viewers and advertisers migrate toward digital and streaming platforms, intensifying pressure on traditional TV networks. According to industry reports, the decline in linear television viewership continued through FY26, with even major sporting events failing to significantly revive subscriber numbers. Data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) showed that weekly TV reach dropped to 741 million in FY26, compared to 750 million in FY25 and 757 million in FY24.  Broadcasters such as Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Sun TV Network witnessed weaker advertising revenues as companies, especially from the FMCG sector, reduced spending on traditional television and redirected budgets toward digital platforms offering better audience targeting and measurable returns. Reliance Industries-backed JioStar also acknowledged softness in television advertising demand. However, the company remained profitable during FY26, supported by its combined presence in television broadcasting and streaming through JioHotstar.  Industry experts believe the rapid adoption of OTT platforms, connected TVs, and AI-driven digital advertising is reshaping India’s media landscape. Advertisers are increasingly favouring programmatic and performance-based advertising models over traditional TV campaigns.  The pay-TV sector is also witnessing a gradual decline in subscribers. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), active DTH subscribers fell from 52.8 million in September 2025 to 51 million by December 2025, reflecting the continued consumer shift toward online streaming services.  Despite the slowdown, sports broadcasting remains relatively resilient, with broadcasters continuing to attract audiences during major cricket tournaments and premium live events.  Source: Economic Times

India’s Television Industry Under Mounting Pressure as Audiences and Advertisers Shift Online Read More »

Zee Entertainment Reports ₹104 Crore Loss in Q4, Misses FY26 Margin Target

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Entertainment Enterprises reported a consolidated net loss of ₹104 crore in the quarter ended March 31, reversing from a profit of ₹188 crore recorded in the same period last year. The decline was mainly attributed to revised estimates for movie rights inventory amortisation and additional impairment charges booked during the quarter. The media company also missed its FY26 profitability guidance, posting an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.3%, significantly lower than its projected 18-20% range. Weak advertising demand, increased spending on growth-focused businesses and one-time accounting adjustments impacted overall performance. For the March quarter, adjusted EBITDA dropped 51% year-on-year to ₹140 crore, while margins narrowed to 6.9%, highlighting continued pressure on the broadcaster’s earnings. Source: Economic Times

Zee Entertainment Reports ₹104 Crore Loss in Q4, Misses FY26 Margin Target Read More »

Former Google Executive Matt Brittin Takes Charge as New BBC Director-General

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Former Google executive and ex-EMEA chief Matt Brittin officially begins his tenure as director-general of the BBC on Monday, stepping into the role during one of the broadcaster’s most challenging periods in recent years. Brittin, a former consultant at McKinsey & Company, joined Google in 2007 and spent nearly two decades with the tech giant before departing in 2025. He led Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operations for ten years and now succeeds Tim Davie as the head of the BBC. The 57-year-old takes over amid mounting controversies surrounding the public broadcaster, including a multi-billion-dollar legal battle involving US President Donald Trump and criticism over offensive language aired during the BAFTA Film Awards broadcast. Brittin is expected to receive an annual salary of £565,000, matching the pay package of his predecessor. Beyond his corporate career, he also has a sporting background, having represented Great Britain in rowing and winning bronze at the 1989 World Rowing Championships. He additionally competed in three consecutive Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races between 1987 and 1989. Earlier this year, Brittin was awarded a CBE in King Charles III’s New Year Honours for his contribution to technology and digital education initiatives. Reacting to the appointment, Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee, stated that Brittin faces a major challenge as the BBC navigates a “period of turbulence”. During Tim Davie’s leadership, the BBC faced multiple controversies, including criticism over editorial decisions, high-profile misconduct scandals involving former presenter Huw Edwards, and backlash surrounding live broadcast incidents at public events. Speaking about his appointment, Brittin said the BBC remains a “uniquely British asset” and stressed the need for the broadcaster to adapt to rapidly changing audience habits and digital platforms. He described the current period as one filled with both “risk” and “opportunity”, adding that the corporation must evolve with courage while maintaining public trust and editorial strength. The BBC has also opened applications for a newly created deputy director-general role, with the successful candidate expected to oversee editorial standards and support the director-general in strategic decision-making.

Former Google Executive Matt Brittin Takes Charge as New BBC Director-General Read More »

Zee Entertainment Launches ‘KidZ’ on Zee5, Re-enters Children’s Entertainment Segment

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has made a fresh push into the children’s entertainment space with the launch of KidZ, a dedicated kids’ service on its digital platform Zee5. The new vertical brings together a blend of learning-focused and fun programming curated for young audiences. To expand its family-focused offerings, the company has teamed up with top content creators and aggregators from India and abroad, ensuring a safe, engaging and education-driven experience for kids. Accessible via a special profile on Zee5 across all devices, KidZ launches with over 140 titles in several languages, with new episodes and shows arriving every Friday. The line-up includes well-known favourites such as Boonie Bears, Vir, Chacha Bhatija and Inspector Chingum. Zee is also building an exclusive slate of premium original kids’ shows set to debut from December 2025, combining story-driven narratives with informative elements and established character IPs. Chandan Khandelwal, Business Head for the Kids Division at Zee5 India & Global, said the goal is to build a safe, immersive destination that inspires curiosity and joy. The initiative ties into the strategic roadmap highlighted in the company’s May 2025 investor update, which identified children’s content as a high-growth segment. With digital consumption among younger viewers continuing to surge, Zee aims to strengthen its content library and scale its reach across entertainment verticals. KidZ marks Zee’s renewed focus on the kids category, more than a decade after the company exited its earlier edutainment experiment with ZeeQ, launched in 2012 but later discontinued as part of a strategic shift. Source: Economic Times  

Zee Entertainment Launches ‘KidZ’ on Zee5, Re-enters Children’s Entertainment Segment Read More »

Government raises print media advertisement rates by 26%

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The government on Monday announced a 26% hike in advertisement rates for print media, a move expected to bring notable benefits to both the media sector and government communication efforts, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Under the revised structure, the black-and-white advertisement rate for daily newspapers with a circulation of 1 lakh copies has increased from ₹47.40 to ₹59.68 per sq cm. The government has also accepted the Rate Structure Committee’s (RSC) recommendations on premium charges for colour ads and preferential ad placements. The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) last updated its print advertisement rates in January 2019 based on the eighth RSC’s recommendations, which were valid for three years. The ninth RSC, formed on November 11, 2021, was tasked with reviewing and proposing new rates—leading to the latest upward revision. Source: PTI

Government raises print media advertisement rates by 26% Read More »