MUMBAI: Viacom18, the joint venture between Network18 Group and Viacom, has posted a fourth straight quarterly loss as its operating expenses surged 185 per cent, mainly on account of discontinued operations - deferment of the Hindi movie channel and TIFC (The Indian Film Company).

Viacom18, which runs a clutch of entertainment channels including flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Colors, reported a net loss of 337 million for the three-month period ended 31 March 2012, as against a profit of Rs 45 million in the year-before quarter.

In the first three quarters, Viacom18 had also coloured the books red with a net loss of Rs 10 million, Rs 284 million and Rs 532 million respectively.

Viacom18 posted a revenue of Rs 6.28 billion, up 131 per cent from Rs 2.72 billion. However, it clarified that this includes Rs 2.34 billion realised from the sale of the movie library that it had built up for the proposed Hindi movie channel.

?Our continuing business grew at 16 per cent over the corresponding quarter last year,? the company said.

Meanwhile, operating expenses jumped to Rs 7.16 billion for the quarter, from Rs 2.72 billion in the year-before quarter. Marketing, distribution and promotional expenses jumped from Rs 826 million to Rs 1.29 billion, while production expenses and other expenditure doubled to Rs 3.17 billion from Rs 1.51 billion. The company also listed expense of Rs 2.38 billion for its deferred Hindi movie channel.

Viacom18 posted operating (Ebidta) loss of Rs 887 million in the quarter, as against a profit of Rs 204 million.

Viacom18 also posted individual Ebitda for TV continuing operations, new operations and discontinued operations. Notably, the company has suffered operating loss from TV continuing operations including motion pictures also, which was until now a profit making business.

The Ebitda loss stood at Rs 116 million, compared to a profit of Rs 204 million a year ago.

Viacom18 clarified that one-time losses amounting to Rs 477 million in Q4 were incurred with respect to the discontinued operations - deferment of the Hindi movie channel and TIFC, while Rs 294 million was incurred with respect to costs towards the new channels ? Sonic, Comedy Central and Colors HD.

For the full fiscal ended 31 March 2012, the net loss stood at Rs 1.13 billion, from a net profit of Rs 851 million in the earlier year. Operating revenue stood at Rs 15.84 billion (from Rs 11.04 billion), while expenses were at Rs 16.97 billion (from Rs 9.85 billion).

Viacom18 said that the fourth quarter and full fiscal numbers have been subjected to limited review by the auditors and segmental numbers are on a proforma basis.

Mumbai: Colors, the Hindi general entertainment channel from the Viacom18 stable, is launching a wellness show on 29 April. Titled ?All is Well with Dr. Ahluwalia?, the show will be aired every Sunday at 12 noon

The show is the Indian adaptation of the international format - Dr. OZ. This is one-of-its-kind show in India and will simplify the medical jargons and terminology for the masses and give its audiences the medical expertise. It will drive awareness and also educate the audiences towards managing health at home and leading a better lifestyle.

Colors had bought the rights of the show from Sony Pictures Television (SPT) in November last year.

Produced by Miditech, the show will run for an hour. In the show, Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia, will demystify everything related to health and medicine, giving simple solutions and answers to all health and lifestyle related issues in common man?s terms. The interactive show will make health regime a fun experience through games, quizzes, power workouts and dance.

Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, "With All Is Well, we are excited to explore wellness as a concept that brings to our audiences edutainment weekly in a show that is both educative and entertaining. It takes a Sundays - 12 noon slot, a time when the entire family gets together, thereby building our weekend viewing. The show is also in line with the Colors philosophy of providing the viewers with variety of programming. With All Is well, we hope to bring in more awareness on health issues and take up the cause of reaching the message to a large audience."

Miditech co founder Niret Alva added, "It?s great to bring an interactive show that highlights health and medicine in a simpler and entertaining format to the Indian audience. Dr. Sonu is the perfect fit to take on as the host; he is witty and connects well with the audience. His experience and insights into the profession has worked towards making this show engaging and informative."

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MUMBAI: Viacom18 has appointed Sameer Goswami as VP and head of business operations, North America.

Goswami will be responsible for managing and expanding the company?s broadcast operations across the continent.

Goswami joins from Vision Asia ? Australia and New Zealand, where he was the CEO and has played a key role in revitalising the company. He will report to Viacom18 head - distribution and International Business and Sun18 COO- North Gaurav Gandhi.

Gandhi said, ?We are delighted to have Sameer join our team. I am confident that Sameer?s valuable experience in media and broadcast and his entrepreneurial mindset will be a great asset in growing Aapka Colors business in North America?

On his new role Goswami added, "In my new role, I am looking forward to working with this talented group of enthusiasts and applying my knowledge and experience to help in the growth of the network?s business in North America.?

Goswami comes in with experience across diverse International markets in advertising, FMCG marketing and entertainment industries.

Prior to joining Vision Asia, he has also worked with ConAgra Foods, Hungama.com, Leo Burnett and Lintas India.