Punit Goenka, CEO of Zee Entertainment, addressed key questions surrounding the company’s performance, leadership changes, and the much-discussed merger with Sony in an interview with Zee Business news channel.

Goenka clarified that while the merger with Sony did not materialize, he remains open to future proposals that align with the interests of shareholders, employees and the company.

He emphasized that despite stepping down as Managing Director, his role and approach to leading the company remain unchanged, allowing him to focus more on business growth without the added burden of board responsibilities.

In the interview, done on February 17, Goenka highlighted Zee Entertainment’s impressive profit growth over the past year, attributing it to cost optimization, content monetization and operational efficiency.

He outlined the company’s strategic pillars for future growth, including high-quality content creation, effective monetization strategies, and maintaining financial discipline.

Goenka also addressed the growing competition in the media industry, asserting that Zee is well-positioned to compete effectively through its strong content offerings and customer-centric approach, while reaffirming his passion for storytelling and commitment to the company’s success.

Pointing out that domestic investors’ trust has grown in the company as it is the only homegrown broadcaster in India, Goenka, said, “Other players in the industry have come from foreign markets… We have erected the business from the ground.”

At one point in the interview he observed, “I have never worked only for my shareholding in the company… The real thrill is in creating content, telling stories, and nothing else.”

Goenka, who had to step down as managing director of ZEEL last year owing to internal and external pressures, opined he would dedicate his time for the future of the company while boosting its performance. “Now (as CEO), my entire focus is on business,” he added.

In August, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India said they had settled a six-month-long dispute related to a failed $10-billion merger. Both sides agreed to withdraw all claims against each other.

“We are focused on growth now… We have three pillars of growth: content, content monetisation, and frugality,” said Goenka, adding, “There has always been competition in the industry… Content, content monetization and frugality are the answer to competition.”

The full Punit Goenka interview could be viewed here: Punit Goenka’s Exclusive Interview: ZEEL’s Response to Competition & Profit Growth Plans | – YouTube