Music and Youth
MTV eyes acquisitions; but puts SS deal on hold
MUMBAI: MTV Networks is aiming at growth through acquisitions, both in the music and the kids’ space. It has, however, put its plans to acquire Chennai-based Southern Spice Music (SS Music) on hold.
“We are not pursuing talks now. But this does not necessarily mean that we will not open them up again,” says MTV Networks Asia Pacific president Frank Brown.
SS Music, sources say, was asking for a valuation of $10 million and MTV has not got back after that.
Says Brown, “We plan to have at least two-three acquisitions over the next three years. This could be in the area of radio, print, production facilities and digital media. We are also interested in local language TV channels.”
Acquisition, Brown adds, will be both for MTV and Nick. “It could be joint ventures, programming blocks, and not necessarily total buyouts.”
MTV Networks has identified two new revenue streams, each to have a business head. Digital new media and consumer products are going to evolve as businesses with potential for fast growth, says Brown. “The boom in digital new media has happened in Japan and Korea. And it is happening in China. Along with consumer products, this will be a brand extension for MTV and Nick in India as well.”
HUNT ON FOR CEO, COO
The hunt is on for a chief executive officer (CEO) and a chief operating officer (COO) even as the company is planning for growth in India. “The CEO will look at business development, new launches, acquisitions and joint ventures while the COO will be handling operations,” says Brown.
The company is eyeing launch of new genre of channels even as the direct-to-home (DTH) and the industry grows. “India is one of the fastest growing markets for us. The macro indicators are in favour of us. The youth population is rising, retail is opening up, and we see immense potential for merchandising and licensing on the back of Nick and MTV. We are strategically well positioned to ride on the boom,” says Brown.
Music and Youth
TLC launches ‘World On My Plate’ with Shipra Khanna
New travel-food series premieres 29 March at 7:00 PM.
MUMBAI: Shipra Khanna just packed her bags and her flavours because when a celebrated chef takes you on a global plate tour, even the couch starts feeling like first-class. Warner Bros. Discovery India has announced the launch of World On My Plate with Shipra Khanna, a new travel and food series set to premiere on TLC on 29 March at 7:00 PM. Hosted and curated by the popular chef and television personality, the show blends food, travel and culture through an intimate and immersive lens.
Across three visually rich episodes, Shipra journeys to global destinations to explore not just what people eat, but why they eat it, uncovering the stories, traditions and human connections behind every dish. The series opens in London, weaving its iconic landmarks with diverse culinary scenes, before moving to Spain’s vineyards, olive orchards and coastal kitchens.
Warner Bros. Discovery head of advertising revenues for South Asia Tanaz Mehta said: “At TLC, our focus has always been on bringing authentic stories that reflect how people live and connect. World On My Plate builds on this by using food as a lens to explore shared traditions across geographies. We’re excited to collaborate with Chef Shipra Khanna, whose perspective brings both depth and relatability to these narratives.”
Shipra Khanna added, “Food has always been my way of connecting with people and understanding cultures. With World On My Plate, I’ve had the opportunity to step into new worlds, learn from incredible individuals, and share stories that go far beyond the plate. This show is very special to me.”
The series promises strong visual storytelling, meaningful interactions and a fresh perspective on global cuisine celebrating flavours alongside the emotions and traditions that shape them.
In a world where travel shows often feel like distant postcards, Shipra Khanna is serving up something far more personal: a passport to cultures through their kitchens, proving that the best way to understand a place is still through the plate. Tune in to World On My Plate with Shipra Khanna starting 29 March at 7:00 PM on TLC.
