RTL Group, Reliance Confirm Indian Channels Pact

MUMBAI: RTL Group and Reliance Broadcast Network Limited have formally entered into a joint-venture pact for the rollout of three networks in India.

The 50/50 joint venture will be incorporated in India. The pact includes two English-language thematic TV channels; one focused on reality shows from the international market, largely sourced from FremantleMedia; and another primarily targeting male viewers with action-oriented content. This is RTL Group’s first foray into the Asian market. For Reliance, this is its second international partnership, after previously aligning with CBS Studios International for three entertainment channels in India.

“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," said Tarun Katial, CEO of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited. "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, executive VP of regional operations and business development for Central and Eastern Europe at 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.”