afaqs! news bureau
Media

Zee TV's programming head quits

Ajay Bhalwankar has put in his papers after 10 years

Ajay Bhalwankar, programming head, Zee TV has put in his papers. Although he wasn't available for comment, a top official from Zee confirmed the news.

Bhalwankar has been with Zee for the past 10 years and has had stints in regional, music and the flagship channel of the company. Speculations are rife that he is slated to join Sony as programming head by mid November.

Zee TV's programming head quits
With a background in journalism, he joined the Zee group in 1994 as assistant director, Dream Merchants (the company's advertising and marketing magazine).

He was also instrumental in launching Music Asia, which later became Zee Muzic and is now called Zing. He spent three years there and subsequently, as group head, worked towards the launch of Zee Marathi in 1999. Later, he became the business head, Zee Marathi and vice-president, Zee Marathi and Zee Talkies. He took charge as the programming head of Zee in 2008.

Appointment of a replacement is not on the cards, says a source. It is also learnt that the two creative directors will report to Nitin Vaidya, chief operating officer and business head, Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

Have news to share? Write to us atnewsteam@afaqs.com