Exclusive Interview with Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group: Big plans for 1 billion Zee Digital users, 500 million WION viewers revealed; Shared information on debt resolution, Dish TV-Yes Bank issue

Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group, talks about his vision and big plans ahead in an exclusive interview with Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business.

In the interview, Hon’ble Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP, Essel Group, Dr. Subhash Chandra spoke on topics like vision of Zee Group, future plans of Zee Media, Zeel-Sony merger, information on debt resolution, Dish TV-Yes Bank. issue and much more.

zeel-sony merger

About ZEEL-Sony Merger, Dr. Chandra said, “The merger of Zee Entertainment and Sony is moving in the right direction. After regulatory approval, 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 innovate through business.”

Zee Digital: 1 billion users in next 3 years

Dr Chandra proudly mentioned that Zee Media’s digital platform has 300 million active users, and the group aims to add 1 billion users in the next 3 years. “We will focus on monetizing digital content,” he said.

Zee Media Show – WION, Zee Digital

Talking about Zee Media’s performance, Dr. Chandra proudly quoted, “Zee Media’s digital platform has 300 million active users. And, WION is Asia’s first global network – India’s #1 international channel . 58% of WION’s viewers are foreigners.”

Dr. Chandra said, “WION is ahead of BBC on YouTube. In the next 5 years, we plan to add 500 million viewers to WION.”

debt resolution

When asked about debt resolution and the current debt situation, Dr. Chandra said, “We have reduced the debt by 92% at the promoter level. The remaining debt at the promoter level will be cleared in 1-2 months/sec.”

He also said, “It was a mistake to enter the infra business.”

Dish TV-Yes Bank case

Speaking on the Dish TV-Yes Bank case, Dr Chandra said, “The old management of Yes Bank cheated us.”

“Many people in the media do not have correct information on the Dish TV-Yes Bank case,” he said.

Vision of Zee Group

Speaking on Zee Group’s vision for the next 5 years amidst changing times, Dr. Subhash Chandra said, “Environment in the country is quite positive under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. We are continuously working on many fronts.”

‘Myverse’ – the age of the Internet

Furthermore, talking about the metaverse, crypto and NFTs, Dr. Chandra said, “I call it the ‘myaverse’ because the Internet age belongs to the ‘myaverse’.”

message to shareholders

Asked if there is any message for shareholders, Dr Chandra said, “I know some shareholders were upset but we have never neglected the interests of our shareholders.”

bouncing back

Asked if he returned with more strength and power each time, Dr Chandra said, “Very soon something new will come – this time on the technology front.”

live TV

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