In the near future, we are excited to unveil new channels, including Zee News HD, along with two channels in Kannada and Telugu. These digital channels will soon expand into linear channels, widening our reach and viewership. Additionally, Zee Media is venturing into the podcast arena, offering engaging content across various platforms- Anindya Khare, Marketing Head, Zee Media
Here’s the full Q & A:
1.To start things off, can you throw some light on how was the year 2022 for Zee Media?
In the past year, the news industry did encounter a series of challenges. This prompted us to focus towards digital media, ushering in significant changes within the industry.
As the year drew to a close, the news industry began to stabilize, and the upcoming year holds promise, particularly as it’s an election year, which typically drives increased viewership and revenue. Our flagship program, DNA, epitomized our dedication to offering our viewers the finest and most pertinent content. We firmly believe that by enhancing our content quality, our revenue prospects will naturally follow suit.
We also continued to prioritise informative news coverage, with a greater emphasis on stories pertaining to individuals, society, and health, providing real-time insights and comprehension. To maintain a competitive edge, we conducted an introspective analysis, acknowledging our shortcomings and actively seeking feedback. As pioneers in the industry, we led the way by delivering fresh and innovative content that sets us apart from our peers. Our audience’s desire for in-depth analysis and contextual understanding beyond breaking news became our guiding principle.
Furthermore, we are actively developing our innovation studios to offer branded content that delivers maximum value and return on investment for our partner brands.
In the near future, we are excited to unveil new channels, including Zee News HD, along with two channels in Kannada and Telugu. These digital channels will soon expand into linear channels, widening our reach and viewership. Additionally, Zee Media is venturing into the podcast arena, offering engaging content across various platforms
2.You recently launched the new look of Zee News. How has been the response from the viewers?
The fresh look & feel of Zee News, along with its modernized approach brings to light the consistent efforts of the brand to redefine the credibility of the news being reported. We introduced a fresh look for Zee News, especially before the elections as most of the channels looked the same and there was no differentiator for viewers. So, we conducted scientific research through a third-party agency to create something unique and got good traction after implementing it
We have received good feedback from readers and our stakeholders. The latest design update is in line with a more futuristic approach to connect deeply with ZEE News viewers and attract new audiences through a better news viewing experience. It also aligns with the website/ channel’s overall branding and messaging strategy.
3.The regional market is growing fast and booming. How is ZEE Media expanding here?
Zee Media has always been at the forefront of regional news markert, We were already present in Bangla Genre (Zee 24 Ghanta), Gujrati (Zee 24 Kalak), Marathi (Zee 24 Taas) , Punjabi (Zee PHH), Urdu (Zee Salaam) and in past one year we have launched in Kannada,Telugu,Tamil and Malayalam too. We acknowledge the importance of Regional & vernacular market and that’s even within HSM markets we have state specific channels like Zee UP/UK, Zee MP/CG, Zee Rajasthan, Zee Delhi NCR and Zee Bihar/Jharkhand
4.Does having a regional news channel a sound business decision in terms of ad revenues as the markets are small?
The decision to launch a regional news channel can be considered as a sound business be done based on ad revenues and other several factors.
Advertisers often look for targeted opportunities to reach a local or regional audience. Regional news channels reassures an increased inclusive audience engagement and an increased interest of advertisers in specific demographic. Also, delivering a high-quality, relevant, and engaging news coverage through regional assets also helps build trust and credibility with your audience and advertisers.
Traditional cable TV, digital streaming platforms, and social media are all potential avenues. It does impact our reach and ad revenue potential. In short, the decision to launch a regional news channel is based on a comprehensive business plan that takes into account market size, competition, content quality, advertising potential, costs, and long-term sustainability.
5.Is ad revenue in regional landscape more as compared to English and Hindi?
In case regional here stands for vernacular then its not the case however if regional stands for retail brands/Vernacular/State business then I would say its growing very fast and catching up with national hindi & English .
6.The Best Businesses Are Built Around Passion. What are your views on this?
Passion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to achieving success in a specific field or industry can yield significant business advantages. It sharpens the ability to spot opportunities that others might overlook and enables entrepreneurs to identify niches, gaps in the market, and emerging trends with greater precision.
The most successful businesses strike a harmonious balance between passion and pragmatism. : Passionate entrepreneurs naturally exude energy and motivation, which can be contagious within the organization and beyond. This creates a positive work culture and fosters a sense of purpose among stakeholders. Entrepreneurs who genuinely care about their business are more attuned to customer needs, preferences, and pain points. Their deep knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions that align with the market dynamics and customer demands.
Nonetheless, it’s important to acknowledge that passion alone does not guarantee success. Businesses need to blend passion with meticulous planning, thorough market research, and a readiness to adapt to evolving conditions. To truly thrive, entrepreneurs must strike a balance between their passion and the practicalities of running a business, embracing a comprehensive approach that combines enthusiasm with sound strategy and adaptability.
7.On a personal note, what have been the highlights of your career so far? Your key learnings?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with dynamic and exceptionally skilled team members. The synergy that emerges from our collective efforts is truly invigorating. We come together to brainstorm and exchange some of the most innovative ideas, embracing challenges with a unified spirit.
In terms of productivity, my top three essential strategies revolve around efficiency and focus. Firstly, breaking down intricate problems into smaller, manageable components enables a clearer understanding and facilitates more effective problem-solving. Secondly, the art of delegation, both to my talented team and to AI tools, enables us to harness our collective strengths and streamline processes, freeing up valuable time for strategic thinking. I strongly believe that transformational leadership can motivate the team to reach new heights by setting a compelling vision and encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving.
