English Entertainment
RBNL-CBS part ways
MUMBAI: Two giants came together around three years ago: the Los Angeles based CBS Studios International and the Reliance ADA group’s Reliance Broadcast Networks Ltd (RBNL)’s subsidiary Reliance Television to set up Big CBS Networks, which would roll out a bunch of niche channels targeted at various specific audiences. Three channels emerged: Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Love, and Big CBS Spark.
On 31 December 2013, the two parted ways and the shutters were downed on the joint venture, though Big CBS Prime and Love stopped getting carriage on DTH platforms and cable TV networks in November itself. At that time, when indiantelevision.com contacted RBNL CEO Tarun Katial, all he said was no comment but the channel spokesperson stated that the channels were being aired on platforms where carriage fees were not being charged and that efforts were being made to redeem the situation.
But the fact is that a large US studio exited from the channel business in India just as the new year dawned, though it continues to operate in India and has been striking syndication deals with channels such as AXN from the Sony Entertainment Television network, Star World from Twenty first Century Fox and Zee Cafe from the Zee Network.
RBNL officials say that the parting was healthy and happened mutually. Sources indicate that the two channels Love and Prime had eight employees and they have been absorbed in RBNL in other departments. Big CBS Spark Punjabi has been renamed as Big Spark Punjabi and the network says it will be focusing on regional channels going forward.
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.
