Zee TV is now the confirmed No. 2 channel on Indian television in prime time, more so among women, figures released by the company indicate.

The statistics are derived from market research firm ORG-MARG's INTAM data calculated for a three month weighted average beginning 22 January through till 23 April.

While both men and women sampled gave Zee an edge over Sony it was women who were tuning in more to Zee than men, the data shows. The women sampled were in the 25 + SEC AB category - seen as havin tghe maximum advertisement attracting power - in 10 cities. For men the target group was 15 +.

It is between 8 PM to 9 PM that Zee has made the maximum impact, claiming to have even gone ahead of Star during this prime band.

Zee TV emerged the market leader from 16 April in the 8 PM time band. The lead increases in the 8:30 PM time band and it remains a close No 2 in the 9 PM time band, the data reveals.