English Entertainment
Tivo taps Tara Maitra as VP, GM content strategy
MUMBAI: Tivo, which pioneered innovations in the digital video recorders (DVR) arena in the US, has announced the appointment of Tara Maitra as VP, GM content services.
In this role, Maitra will be responsible for developing unique content offerings for broadband delivery and relationships with content companies. She will report to Tivo VP corporate development, Edward Lichty.
Lichty says, “Tara’s blend of industry relationships, deal-making skills and experience with new media platforms will enhance our efforts to creatively deliver best-in-class content over broadband to the television and attract new audiences for Tivo” .
Tivo CEO,Tom Rogers says, “Tara has demonstrated throughout her career the ability to put together unique content relationships, on a cost efficient basis, providing a great way to promote new offerings to the television viewer. Tivo is very fortunate to have her expertise brought to this very important new role for the company.”
Previously Maitra served as senior director of content development at Comcast, where she was responsible for day-to-day operations of Select on Demand, a collection of new niche non-linear networks delivered via video on-demand and broadband. Maitra helped to create new channels through partnerships, acquisitions and original programming.
Prior to Comcast, Maitra was Primedia Digital Video executive VP, GM. She developed on-demand and broadband video businesses for Primedia’s established print franchises. Her accomplishments include launching video services on Comcast and Real Networks.
Maitra also held a series of editorial and management positions at NBC, including vice president, general manager of CNBC /Dow Jones Business Video. There, she helped build and manage one of the first profitable streaming video web sites to offer financial content through both subscription and syndication models.
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.
