BIG CBS to Launch Punjabi Channel

MUMBAI: Marking the fourth channel to come from the joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, Spark Punjabi is launching on January 14.

The BIG CBS JV has already launched BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love and BIG CBS Spark. Now, Spark Punjabi is positioned as the first international Punjabi channel. The service targets audiences 15-plus. It will feature the best of CBS content all dubbed in Punjabi. It will be available across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh (PHCHP) region. The lineup includes the latest seasons of international shows such as The Jerry Springer Show, Hawaii Five-0, America’s Next Top Model and Masked Warriors, all dubbed into Punjabi. There will also be a mix of Punjabi music, international dubbed movies and local programming in Punjabi.

Tarun Katial, the CEO of Reliance Broadcast Network, said, “India’s booming regional television industry with limited regional entertainment options is an opportunity that we are leveraging. With our robust radio network in place, Spark Punjabi will allow a more integrated offering to marketers, while presenting audiences with the best television entertainment.”

Armando Nuñez, the president of CBS Studios International, added, "The move into the regional market perfectly complements our existing bouquet of channels in India, utilizing existing programming resources customized to the Punjabi market and backed by Reliance’s great media assets in the region.”