Turner Preps New Entertainment Channels in India

NEW DELHI, December 13: Turner
International is teaming with Alva Brothers—the parent company of the New
Delhi-based production house Miditech—to launch an entertainment channel
in Hindi and other Indian languages.

Turner and the Alva Brothers will each
own 50 percent of the as-yet-unnamed joint venture, which aims to tap into Alva
Brothers’ understanding of Indian audience’s entertainment needs and Turner’s
expertise in operating broadcast networks globally. The venture will be managed
by both the partners.

The alliance also sees Turner acquiring
a minority stake in Miditech, including all shares previously held by ICICI
Ventures. Miditech will continue to be an independent content producer.

Steve Marcopoto, the president of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, commented:
“Turner has always acknowledged the potential that India holds, and has been an
active player in the broadcast industry since the launch of our business in
India more than a decade ago. Investing in this well-established content
company and launching yet another channel underscore Turner’s commitment to
further grow its business. With our on-going pursuit of international growth,
India will continue to be a focal point.”

—By Mansha Daswani