Nbc, Hindujas In Talks Over Cable Tv Venture

NBC Asia, a 24-hour infotainment channel providing a diverse mix of Asian and global news and entertainment programmes, and the Hindujas are exploring the formation of a joint venture with equal participation in editorial and marketing affairs. NBC Asia runs two channels, NBC and CNBC, now being beamed via Asisat-2.

Last week, NBC Asia struck a strategic alliance with the Hindujas-owned In Network for the distribution its channels through the latter's network in Mumbai and 12 other cities. Prior to this, the digitally encrypted signals of NBC and CNBC, which were on hyper band, were not accessible to a section of the viewers. Both the channels are part of Star TV's multi-channel package for India on Asisat-2, with CNBC foucssing on global business news round-the-clock.

 

The joint venture rumours come at a time when the Hindujas have decided to disinvest their 26 per cent stake in ABNi, a 24-hour business channel beamed through PAS-4 satellite. The Hindujas stake in ABNi is now up for grab, though the Singapore-based ABN may attempt a buy-back.

Speaking to Business Standard from Hong Kong, NBC Asia's public relations manager Irina Masiulanif confirmed the pact with In Network for the distribution of NBC and CNBC on prime band of the cable networks-controlled by the Hindujas.

"Though we would like to work closely with the Hindujas, and expand our existing ties as they are a big group, as of now I have no news about a joint venture," Masiulanif said. Hinduja executives involved in the media venture in Mumbai and New York were not available for comments.

Cable and satellite industry sources revealed that both Hindujas and NBC Asia have done exploratory talks on a joint venture. This time the Hindujas, unlike their involvement in ABNi, will have a say in the editorial matters, too, the sources added.

Though details of the proposed venture like who will hold the controlling stake are yet to be decided, it will depend on the investment which the Hindujas wish to make, said sources.

In ABNi, the Hindujas were responsible only for the distribution and ad sales of the satellite channel. While the Raghav Bahl-promoted TV-18 supplied programs to ABNi from India, the final editorial say rested with ABN Singapore.