The Hindu Business Line : Turner steps into India’s TV entertainment space

New Delhi, Dec. 12 International giant Turner International follows in Viacom’s footsteps, with an announcement to launch a Hindi entertainment channel. The company is tying up with Miditech’s Alva Brothers for a Hindi entertainment channel in India, expected to be on air in 2008.

Turner is to also acquire a 30 per cent stake in the television production house, Miditech, for an undisclosed amount.

The equal partnership venture, with both parties owning equal stake in the yet-to-be-named broadcasting company, also has plans for channels in other Indian languages. The timeline for these is yet to be finalised.

The venture is targeted at the urban Indian audience. “Entering the broadcasting arena with the global expertise of Turner begins an exciting new chapter for the Alva Brothers. The channel will provide fresh alternative content to an increasingly discerning audience,” said Mr Nikhil Alva, co-promoter of Alva Brothers, in statement.

The acquisition of stake in Miditech will include all shares previously held by ICICI Ventures, said the company in a joint statement. Regulatory approvals are yet to be received. The production house, which has most of the leading broadcasters as clients, will continue to be an independent content producer.

“The relationship with Turner will enable Miditech to independently widen the scope and depth of its innovative creative services to broadcasters and related customers,” said Mr Niret Alva, co-promoter of Alva Brothers.

“This is our first foray in the general entertainment space in India, and we are confident that this powerful partnership, drawing on the strengths of both partners, will deliver ground-breaking quality programming to Indian audiences,” added Mr Anshuman Misra, Managing Director, Turner International India Ltd.

Viacom foray

In May this year, MTV’s parent Viacom tied up with TV18 group, to foray into the entertainment sector with plans for entertainment channels and even production and distribution of movies.

Its properties in India — MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1 — were moved under the new entity. Recent entries into the general entertainment segment include NDTV’s Imagine which goes on air in January, and 9X which is already on air.

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