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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Mar 16, 2022, 09:40 AM IST
Hon’ble Chairman of esteemed Essel Group and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra, on Wednesday, had a chat with Zee Business’ Managing Editor Anil Singhvi about various topics including Zee Group’s vision, Zee Media’s plans for the future, ZEEL-SONY merger, and more.
Speaking on the Zee Group’s vision for the next 5 years, Dr Subhash Chandra said, “The environment is quite positive in the country under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. We are continuously working on many fronts.”
‘Mayaverse’ – Era of internet
Moreover, talking about Metaverse, Crypto, and NFT, Dr Chandra said, “I call it ‘Mayaverse’ as the era of the internet belongs to ‘Mayaverse’.”
Zee Digital: 1 billion users in the next 3 years
Dr Chandra proudly mentioned that Zee Media’s digital platforms have 300 million active users, and the group aims to add 1 billion users in the next 3 years. “We will focus on monetising digital content,” he added.
Debt resolution
When asked about debt resolution and current debt status, Dr Chandra said, “We reduced 92% debt at the promoter level. Rest of the debt at promoter level will be cleared in 1-2 month/s.” Also, he added, “Venturing into infra business was a mistake.”
Dish TV-Yes Bank matter
Speaking on Dish TV-Yes Bank matter, Dr Chandra said, “Yes Bank’s old management did fraud with us.” “Many people in media lack the right information on Dish TV-Yes Bank matter,” he added.
ZEEL-Sony Merger
About ZEEL-Sony Merger, Dr Chandra said, “Zee Entertainment and Sony merger moving in the right direction. After regulatory acceptances, the merger will be completed.”
New Business?
When asked if the group is planning to start any new business, Dr Chandra said, “We never started any business for money. We always tried to do something new by means of business.”
Zee Media’s performance – WION, Zee Digital
Talking about Zee Media’s performance, Dr Chandra proudly cited, “Zee Media’s digital platforms has 300 million active users. And, WION is Asia’s first global network – it’s India’s #1 international channel. WION has 58% of its audience in foreign.”
“WION is ahead of BBC on YouTube. In the next 5 years, we plan to add 500 million viewers to WION,” Dr Chandra said.
Message to shareholders
When asked if there is any message to shareholders, Dr Chandra said, “I know some shareholders were upset but we never ignored any interests of our shareholders.”
Bouncing back
When asked that every time he bounced back with more strength and power, Dr Chandra said, “Something new will come very soon – this time in the technology front.”