Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) is embarking on international expansion, initially focussing on the SAARC region where it will beam three channels from its joint venture with US’ CBS Studios.

BIG CBS Networks, the 50:50 joint venture, has already entered Sri Lanka, which is the first country outside India where the company has launched three channels — BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love and BIG CBS Spark.

“We are on the course of closing deals to launch across all platforms in the entire SAARC region comprising Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” BIG CBS Networks Business Head, Mr Vishal Rally, told PTI.

In Sri Lanka, the three channels are being distributed by the country’s largest cable operator Lanka Broadband Network, he said.

The BIG CBS channels are designed to target Sri Lanka’s fast-growing, upwardly mobile population but has limited English entertainment options.

“We are also evaluating the possibility of dubbing the content in local languages in the future,” he said, adding that these markets offered good potential in terms of revenue generation.

“The BIG CBS channels will be launched on a fixed licensee fee model which will ensure regular and streamlined revenue from the market which will complement bottom-line,” Mr Rally said.

For the Sri Lanka launch, the company does not require any regulatory approvals. However, for other markets in the region downlinking licence, remittance permissions and approvals from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may be required, he said.

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