RBNL, CBS JV split; Big Magic to expand with regional variants

Anil Ambani-promoted Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) and global media conglomerate CBS Studios have split, ending their joint venture that lasted over three years and rolled out three entertainment channels in India. 

The divorce marks the exit of CBS from the Indian TV broadcasting market. The joint venture was operating three channels – Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Love and Big CBS Spark. 

“The JV between RBNL and CBS has ended,” an industry source familiar with the development said on condition of anonymity. RBNL had entered into an equally owned joint venture with CBS in August 2010. The JV, Big CBS Networks, was mainly drawing content from CBS. Big CBS Prime was available in dual feeds of English and Hindi while Big CBS Love targeted at the urban English speaking audiences. 

RBNL has a 50:50 joint venture with Europe’s RTL Group. The JV runs an action-oriented channel, Big RTL Thrill, which targets male audiences and is available in dual feeds of English and Hindi. Big RTL Thrill has edge of the seat entertainment content ranging from reality shows, action series, wrestling, extreme sports, game shows and movies from across the world. 

RBNL has decided to restructure its product portfolio and focus will be on strengthening the Big Magic brand. The aim will be to run profitable lines of businesses that have long-term scope. 

As part of its strategy to stay focused on profitability and long-term sustainability, RBNL’s big thrust in the TV broadcast business will be on growing language television. RBNL will push Big Magic in terms of footprint and expanding original hours of content. 

Big Magic will have more regional variants. The attempt will be to synergise the company’s FM radio and regional-language television broadcast business. The Hindi-language television and radio business, which operates under the Big FM brand, will draw strength from each other in the Hindi-speaking markets (HSM).

RBNL also launched Big Magic Bihar and Jharkhand for the region.

Source:http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/4055-rbnl,-cbs-jv-split-big-magic-to-expand-with-regional-variants.html