Monday, August 13, 2012

Punit is now focussing on expanding the regional and sports channel portfolio

After fixing up the group’s GEC, Punit is now focussing on expanding the regional and sports channel portfolio

B&E: Coming back to your flagship channel Zee TV, it has been growing very consistently in terms of rating over the past 18 months. So, when do you see Zee holding the No.1 spot?
PG: I would put it this way: Are we here to change the No.1 ground? Zee is frankly does not believe in that business model. We are not in this business to raise money from third parties. In terms of profitability no one can match Zee. So that ways we are already No.1. Top rank, in rating terms, is of no use if you don’t monetise and make profit.

B&E: One thing you appreciate most about your father...
PG: His vision is something that I appreciate the most. You cannot imagine how he comes up with these ideas. He had told us about the slowdown in the first quarter of 2008. At that time things were exceptionally well and no one could have guessed what was coming, but he did. If it wouldn’t have been his prudence and vision we would not have achieved what we have in the past four years.

B&E: Any particular challenges that you think Zee needs to work on?
PG: The negative growth in the industry is the key challenge that Zee Group needs to work on and make sure that it turns around. Otherwise it’s like a whirlpool that will suck you one way or the other.

B&E: In India, cricket as a sports is given maximum importance by corporates, while other sports take a back seat. Do you see the trend changing?
PG: That has already started changing. If you see hockey, it has already got support from several corporate houses. In fact, I feel that other sports too will soon get the importance they deserve.


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