FYI Channel Debuts in India

MUMBAI: The FYI TV18 channel has launched in India, marking the second factual-entertainment network brought to the country in a partnership between A+E Networks and TV18.

FYI TV18 will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The programming mix features local Indian shows and international series. The lineup includes Man Vs Child, Tiny House Nation, Seven Year Switch and Arranged. At launch, FYI will premiere two high-profile Indian productions focusing on relationships: Real 2 States Couples and Rivals-in-law.

Chetan Bhagat will host Real 2 States Couples, which follows a cross-cultural couple in a relationship, trying to adjust to each other’s families. Rivals-in-law, hosted by celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani, features a ‘cook-off’ between a daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law, with the husband as the judge.

FYI TV18 is the second channel to be launched from the A+E Networks/TV18 bouquet, after the success of its HISTORY TV18.

Network18 Chairman Adil Zainulbhai said, “The launch of FYI TV18 is in-sync with our philosophy of providing fresh, modern content for an India on the go. After redefining news and general entertainment for Indian audiences, we believe the time is ripe for another disruption in the lifestyle space.”

Sean Cohan, the president of international and digital media at A+E Networks, said, “We are delighted that FYI TV18 will be available to Indian viewers. FYI has been a tremendously strong brand for us in the U.S., as the most upscale and fastest growing network in cable. India presents strong growth opportunities for A+E Networks’ global portfolio strategy and we’d like to replicate the success of History TV18 as well as other powerful global brands in our bouquet, starting with FYI TV18.”

Avinash Kaul, the president of strategy, product and alliances at Network18 and managing director of A+E Networks/TV18, said, “As the market dynamics in the media sector continues to evolve, it exposes niches waiting to be exploited. With general entertainment going increasingly rural and mass, there is an underserved demand for convivial and progressive content. We believe that in FYI TV18, with its unique mix of predominantly local content with relationships at its core, we have a winner.”