Zee News, one of India’s most iconic and influential news channels, has unveiled a bold new identity that blends editorial evolution with cutting-edge design and technology. The refreshed look, anchored in the values of clarity, credibility, and courage, goes beyond cosmetic change — it reflects a strategic shift in how news is curated, presented, and consumed. From a state-of-the-art studio powered by immersive tools like augmented reality explainers and dynamic data walls, to a modern anchoring format that emphasizes storytelling, interactivity, and insight-led journalism, Zee News is positioning itself as a truly future-ready newsroom.
At the helm of this transformation is Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, who calls the rebrand “historic” — a reinvention designed not just to inform but to engage a new generation of audiences across television, digital, and mobile. In this exclusive conversation with MediaNews4U, he shares the philosophy behind the new identity, the balance between technology and editorial integrity, and how Zee News aims to redefine trust and relevance in an era of information clutter.
Q: Zee News is unveiling a refreshed identity. Could you walk us through the philosophy behind the new logo and visual language, and how does it reflect the channel’s values of clarity, credibility, and courage?
Rahul Sinha: We are taking this change forward in two ways—look and feel, and content. Based on research and audience insights, especially among younger viewers, we are redesigning our screens with cooler tones. Currently, our screens carry yellow, red, and white. Going forward, we will reduce yellow, bring in blue for a cooler appeal, and increase the use of white.
The biggest development is the creation of the largest studio in the history of Zee. This new studio, designed around our refreshed theme, offers multi-framing options, wall and key graphics, and the ability to host large audiences of up to 200 people. This scale of infrastructure allows us to present impactful journalism in a visually compelling way while addressing areas where competitors previously had an edge.
Q: With television, digital, and mobile audiences converging, how is Zee News positioning itself as a truly future-ready newsroom?
Rahul Sinha: The effort is to ensure Zee News delivers a continuous flow of information relevant to every age group and geography. From 6 AM to midnight, every show has been branded and given a distinct identity, ensuring stronger viewer connection.
Morning shows are curated to appeal to rural and Tier 2–3 audiences, focusing on regional needs, while later slots are tuned to Gen Z expectations of fast-paced, mobile-style news consumption. Evening prime time will revive the DNA brand of research-based storytelling, focusing less on politics and more on people-centric, youth-focused, and international news.
Our strategy ensures seamless connection across platforms by combining diverse content formats, faster delivery, and a balanced mix of politics, social issues, and global affairs.
Q: What role will technology and platforms play in this transition without compromising journalism standards? How will this refreshed identity enhance the audience experience across television, digital, and mobile platforms?
Rahul Sinha: AI and technology play an important role in optimizing costs and expanding capabilities. Zee News was the first and only channel in India to use AI-based exit polls, and we came the closest in accuracy.
At the same time, we are cautious to ensure human intervention remains central, so that the “soul of news” is preserved. Technology is being applied where it strengthens efficiency and viewer engagement, but never at the cost of editorial values.
The refreshed identity combines state-of-the-art studios, graphics, and presentation styles with digital-first distribution, enhancing the experience consistently across TV, mobile, and online platforms.
Q: The brand refresh positions Zee News as a future-ready newsroom. How is the identity designed to stay relevant in the era of AI, immersive news formats, and growing digital-first consumption, while standing apart from competitors?
Rahul Sinha: We built this identity on audience research and data analysis. Our competitors often had stronger presentation in terms of studios and graphics, even if their content wasn’t as strong. With the largest Zee studio, multi-LEDs, and new anchor presentations—including fresh wardrobe, hairstyles, and on-screen delivery—we are addressing that gap.
At the same time, we are aligning our content with Gen Z and digital-first audiences who prefer fast-paced, short-format news, without losing depth for older viewers. This combination ensures we stay relevant and differentiated in an increasingly digital, AI-driven media landscape.
Q: Across the industry, newsrooms are shrinking due to cost pressures and revenue challenges. How is Zee News addressing these realities while still investing in impactful journalism and future-ready capabilities?
Rahul Sinha: Cost is a challenge across the industry, but it cannot affect journalism. Resources may be fewer, but ethics and editorial clarity remain untouched.
We optimize through technology like AI, but always with human oversight to preserve credibility. For example, our AI-based exit poll success shows how technology can reduce costs while enhancing precision. At the same time, we continue investing in investigative journalism, with ongoing series on issues like SpiceJet, scams, and StemCells, proving that impactful journalism remains central despite cost pressures.
Q: Beyond the visual rebranding, is there a parallel content revamp underway at Zee News? What can audiences expect in terms of new formats, programs, or editorial directions?
Rahul Sinha: Yes, the revamp extends deeply into content. Every show from 6 AM to midnight now carries its own identity and theme, unlike before when shows often ran unnamed.
Morning hours are designed for rural and regional audiences, while 8 AM onwards is tailored to Gen Z with fast-paced news. Prime time revives DNA-style research-driven journalism with less focus on politics and more on people’s issues, youth affairs, and international coverage.
We are also experimenting with new formats. One upcoming show will hand over the editor’s chair to a celebrity, politician, or Bollywood star for a day, letting them experience the challenges of newsroom leadership. Another relaunch, Zee Helpline, will expand into an adventure-driven, citizen-participation format to directly solve public grievances like driving license delays.
Q: Given the dependence on advertising revenue—both corporate and government—how do you balance financial sustainability with editorial independence? Do you see subscription-based models as the way forward for credible journalism in India?
Rahul Sinha: It is true that government and corporate ads once played a dominant role, but those revenues have reduced significantly. Channels are now diversifying through new revenue models, IPs, and digital platforms.
We are preparing our news apps and investing heavily in digital, where revenue pressure from corporates and government is far less. Subscription is certainly part of the future, and we are working on it.
At the same time, we balance by creating IP-led events and conclaves that generate both revenue and meaningful content. For us, financial sustainability must go hand in hand with editorial independence.
Q: Do you think a popular anchor face is necessary to drive the ratings and viewership of a news channel?
Rahul Sinha: A strong anchor face is helpful, but content is more important. In the past 1.5 years, Zee News has grown 82%—from 5.2 to 9.4 ratings—without relying on a superstar anchor.
Our approach is to build our own faces, training anchors to deliver research-based, credible, and engaging content that makes viewers stop and listen, regardless of celebrity status. A known face may attract initial attention, but only strong content sustains audience loyalty.
Q: What is your opinion on large corporate media ownership as we see many are entering the Indian News Media Space?
Rahul Sinha: This industry should not be entered into for profit alone. Zee News was built on the principle of being a people’s voice, not just the government’s voice, when it launched as India’s first private satellite news channel.
It is important to carefully assess the intent of those entering the news business. If the intention is to serve people and uphold journalistic values, ownership is not a problem. But if the intent is otherwise, it risks undermining the purpose of news media.
