English Entertainment
Turner to launch HBO HD in April; unveils new look for HBO
MUMBAI: Turner International will be re-launching its channel HBO Hits as HBO HD in April this year.
As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, late last year Turner decided to re-brand HBO Hits as HBO HD, which was subject to regulatory approvals. Additionally, Turner also discontinued its other channel HBO Defined. Both HBO Hits and HBO Defined were launched as a partnership between HBO Asia and Eros International in 2013.
HBO HD will be available on direct-to-home (DTH) and cable platforms from April. The broadcaster is also looking to launch the HBO mobile app in March.
What’s more, the company has also unveiled a fresh new-look for HBO on 14 February, which reflects a youthful and aspirational viewer demographic. HBO’s new packaging has been redesigned to present world-class content to a local, but worldly, audience.
Turner International, South Asia senior vice president and managing director Siddharth Jain said, “Consumers are at the centre of everything we do and these changes directly reflect this. The all-new HBO captures its audience’s imagination – like never before – through the implementation of a new programming and content strategy; and new fan-engagement initiatives. Indian consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment options, and HBO is ideally positioned not only to excite but also engage.”
The big-budget Mad Max: Fury Road on 14 February led the launch of a new program and content strategy, complemented by a social media campaign. This will be followed by four back-to-back Sunday premieres namely American Sniper, Wild Card, San Andreas and A Walk Among the Tombstones.
The HBO mobile app will gives viewers access to channel details and information – boasting full channel schedules, a reminder feature, TV promos, preview of upcoming premieres and a Hollywood quiz.
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.
