AETN TV18 launches 'FYI TV18'

AETN TV18 today launched a factual entertainment channel 'FYI TV18' and aims to reach 90 million households by the end of the year.
AETN TV18 is a joint venture between the US-based A+E Networks and TV18.
"It is a factual entertainment channel operating on relationships, which will perhaps form 60 per cent of the content," Avinash Kaul, president - strategy, product and alliances, Network 18 and managing director A+E Networks|TV18, told reporters here.
This will be the second channel from this JV after History TV18.
While History TV18 focuses on individualistic achievements, FYI TV18 will focus on relationships, he said.

"As the market dynamics in the media sector continues to evolve, it exposes niches waiting to be exploited. With general entertainment going increasingly rural and mass, there is an under-served demand for convivial and progressive content. We believe that FYI TV18, with relationships at its core, we have a winner," he said.

The channel, which is targeted at the audiences above 15 years of age, plans to break even in the third year, Kaul said without divulging the financial details.
The channel will have more than 350 hours of programming, of which more than 100 hours will be local content.

"Eventually, it will be 40 per cent local and 60 per cent international. You will see more local shows on prime time," he said.
The international content will be available in Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu, Kaul added.