English Entertainment
‘Asia’s Got Talent’ s2 to air on AXN; multi-year deal with FreemantleMedia confirmed
MUMBAI: The search for “Asia’s Got Talent” will continue in Season 2 this year after its successful first season in 2015. Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, has finalised terms with FremantleMedia International for the talent show’s rights.
Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia International co-produced the “Got Talent” franchise. It appears in the Guinness World Records as the “Most Successful Reality Television Format” with 70 local versions produced across the Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. The talent show format is telecast in 186 countries around the world, Yibada reported.
As yet, “Asia’s Got Talent” Season 2 has no local production firm or judges but is anticipated to start talent auditions throughout Asia. Its premiere is scheduled for the second half of the year, and is likely to broadcast on Sony’s AXN network across much of the Asia-Pacific region. It geographically includes the key territories of India, Japan, Korea, and China.
FremantleMedia International GM – Asia and executive VP Ganesh Rajaram said in a statement that ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ Season 1 had become the benchmark for talent shows in the pan-regional space and that they were thrilled to have had secured the multi-year partnership with Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.
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.
