Zee-Sony deal: 3 channels to be sold to allay anti-competition concerns

The proposed merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is inching to a closure, with the firms agreeing to sell three Hindi channels to mitigate regulatory concerns.

The media firms have voluntarily agreed to divest its Hindi general entertainment channel Big Magic, and Hindi film channels Zee Action and Zee Classic, according to the proposal filed with Competition Commission of India (CCI). All the three channels proposed to be sold off are owned by ZEEL.

ZEEL and Sony have a combined viewership share of 36 per cent in Hindi general entertainment segment, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) data.