India’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry today marks a significant milestone: 33 years of private satellite television, an era that began with the launch of Zee TV in 1992 by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’).
From its inception as the nation’s first private satellite channel, Zee has been a driving force in India’s entertainment narrative, evolving into a multi-platform content giant. The industry it pioneered now generates massive revenues and employment, making it a powerful economic contributor.
The journey of private satellite television is synonymous with the dramatic expansion of the M&E landscape in India. What started with a single channel in 1992 has burgeoned into a colossal ecosystem:
Zee’s role has extended beyond content creation. The company is credited with bringing authentic, culturally rich storytelling to millions, effectively bridging regional and national audiences. It has also cultivated a thriving ecosystem for artists, technicians, musicians, and distributors across various platforms, significantly shaping industry practices and catalyzing new opportunities in the creative economy.
Punit Goenka, Chief Executive Officer of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., reflected on the achievement, stating, “The journey of ‘Z’ is inseparable from the story of India’s M&E industry. Collectively, we have entertained and empowered our Nation… Our success over the last 33 years is not defined only by numbers but also by the immense value we have generated for all our stakeholders.”
Looking forward, Zee is strategically focusing on value-driven growth. This includes major investments in high-growth areas such as short-form content and new digital-first platforms. The company is committed to enhancing its omni-channel approach and leveraging the intersection of content and technology to meet the rapidly evolving consumer preferences and nurture new-age talent.
The Indian M&E industry continues to be a magnet for investment, having attracted nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore in foreign direct investment (FDI) to date. Industry forecasts are highly optimistic, suggesting the sector is poised to grow by 7 percent to reach a valuation of Rs. 3.07 trillion by 2027. This robust growth reinforces the M&E sector’s critical role as one of India’s strongest contributors to soft power and cultural influence on the global stage.
Key Highlights:
- 33-Year Milestone: India’s private satellite television industry, launched by Zee TV in 1992, celebrates 33 years of existence, marking a pivotal period for the country’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.
- Current Industry Scale: The M&E ecosystem, spearheaded by pioneers like Zee, has grown to generate nearly Rs. 2.5 trillion in revenue, provide livelihoods to approximately 2.8 million people, and includes over 908 channels and 70+ OTT platforms.
- Future Growth & Investment: The M&E sector has attracted close to Rs. 1 lakh crore in FDI and is projected to expand by 7% to reach Rs. 3.07 trillion by 2027, solidifying its position as a global soft power contributor.
- Zee’s Strategic Focus: Zee is shifting its focus to an omni-channel approach, investing in key future growth areas like short-form content and leveraging the power of content and technology.