English Entertainment
BBC controller seasons & special projects Janice Hadlow quits
MUMBAI: BBC controller seasons & special projects Janice Hadlow has put in her paper at the company.
BBC Television acting director Mark Linsey said, “I would like to thank Janice for her work in developing Civilisations and for her wider contribution to the BBC. Janice has worked for the BBC in a range of roles, including controller of BBC Four – where she grew the channel’s reach, share and reputation – and BBC Two – where she oversaw a resurgence in specialist factual, comedy and drama. She leaves with our best wishes.”
Hadlow added, “I have had a wonderful career at the BBC, where I have been lucky enough to work with very talented people on a host of exciting programmes. I was pleased to be able to see my final project, Civilisations, through a period of development to the point where it is about to begin filming. It is always hard to say goodbye, but this feels the right moment for me to take my leave. I wish it, and all the colleagues with whom I have so enjoyed working, the very best of luck for the future.”
With Hadlow’s departure, the post of controller seasons and special projects will be closed.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
