The RTL Group and India’s Reliance Broadcast Network will launch two channels in India – a reality channel with international content and a channel with action-oriented content. The two companies have announced the signing of the joint venture agreement.
The initial scope of the investment will include two English-speaking thematic TV channels; a reality channel with international content, mainly from RTL Group’s production arm FremantleMedia, and a channel primarily targeting male viewers with action-oriented content.
The joint venture marks RTL Group’s entry into the burgeoning Asian television market and Reliance Broadcast Network’s second international joint venture, following on from one with CBS Studios International. The joint venture channels, focusing on the reality and action genres, will address a clear void in international entertainment programming that currently exists in India.
Tarun Katial, CEO, RBNL said in a statement, “This joint venture brings the Europe’s leaders into India and Reliance Broadcast Network is proud to be at the core of creating a revolution in the Indian English entertainment space. We are committed to offering audiences unprecedented international television content, and RTL Group’s, extensive library and lineage compliment the partnership perfectly. The synergies, values and visions that both Companies share, will allow this joint venture to offer value to audiences and marketers alike.”
Andreas Rudas, EVP regional operations and business development Central and Eastern Europe of RTL Group, added, “RTL Group believes strongly in the Indian market – a market with a young population which loves TV and impressive potential for further growth. We are thrilled to have such a strong local partner as Reliance Broadcast Network for our first broadcasting venture in Asia.”
