English Entertainment
‘CSI’ boosts revenue of production firm Alliance Atlantis
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MUMBAI: Revenues from the forensic crime drama CSI has helped drive Canadian television production and distribution company Alliance Atlantis Communications’ second quarter net earnings to C$10.7 million compared to C$3.2 million a year ago. |
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Total ad sales was up by 22 per cent while CSI revenue went up by up 119 per cent over the same quarter from last year. In India CSI airs on AXN. The company’s CEO Phyllis Yaffe says, “Our strategy of focussing on growing our broadcast business, maximising the value of the CSI franchise and strengthening our balance sheet continues to provide exceptional results. Our broadcast channels experienced strong advertising and subscriber growth, while the overall financial performance of the first two CSIs and the addition of CSI: NY have enhanced the franchise value.” |
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Broadcasting revenue increased by 16 ,per cent to $73 million. This reflected a strong 22 per cent growth in total ad sales and a solid 10 per cent growth in subscriber revenue. English language analogue channel advertising revenue increased 19 per cent during the quarter. This reflects strong growth in audiences, particularly for Showcase Television, Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada. The digital channels recorded a 42 per cent growth in revenue driven by significant gains in both advertising and subscriber revenue. 
The entertainment division recorded revenue growth of 60 per cent during the quarter primarily due to continued outstanding performance for the entire CSI franchise, which consists of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. Revenue gains are attributable to the addition of CSI: NY to the franchise, higher franchise video/DVD revenue, as well as strong first and second window sales both internationally and in the US. Motion picture distribution revenue was $88 million, representing a decrease of 43 per cent compared to last year’s period. This was primarily related to the video/DVD release of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in Canada and Spain in the second quarter of 2004. The company’s net debt decreased from the prior year by $60 million to $456 million as a result of improvements in our free cash flow. At the end of the quarter the company had unused corporate credit facilities of $148 million. |
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.
