Tag: Canada

  • Big Magic International strengthens reach in Canada

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big Magic International (BMI), part of Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL), has announced a strategic distribution tie-up with Telus and Cogeco, providing the largest coverage in Canadian markets. This additional distribution sees BMI gain a stronghold in Canada. Having launched in 2012, with Ethnic Channels Group (ECG) as its exclusive distribution partner, the channel is now present in 5 of the 6 platforms, across GTA, East and the West Coast.

     

    With this move, BMI reaches out to the South Asian diaspora living across the length and breadth of Canada, with the extremely popular shows like Rasoi ki Rani and Big Memsaab Season 6, already huge hits locally in India. Also planned in the pipeline are local shows targeting youth and a business show on the success stories of Indians in Canada.

     

    BMI is the first variety entertainment channel to connect with the Indian community in Canada.

     

  • Times TV Network expands footprint to 45 countries

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Television Network (TTN) has recently launched its channels, Times Now and Zoom, on Canada’s major cable distribution company Cogeco Cable. With this launch, TTN is now directly available in 45 countries across four continents on leading cable, DTH, IPTV and mobile platforms.

     

    Indians residing abroad form a substantial diaspora that is keen to stay connected with the latest in news and entertainment content from India. With relatively higher per capita income than most other ethnic groups residing abroad, the Indian and South Asian diaspora also displays a higher propensity to pay for premium content and services. TTN channels are already popular brands among the Indian community residing abroad and by using a mix of localized marketing and programming events in respective international markets, TTN has further strengthened its connect with the Indian diaspora there. TTN will be extending its international presence further this year with its impending launch in Europe.

     

    Sunil Lulla

    Commenting on the success of the international business, Sunil Lulla, Managing Director and CEO, TTN, said, “Times Television Network has found great resonance with the viewers from the Indian Diaspora. Despite having launched only quite recently in some of the markets, the brands have gained the same stature and respect as they have here. TIMES NOW is a daily news habit and zoOm the first port of call for Bollywood. We expect to penetrate more geographies shortly. Increasingly, we are able to bring strong solutions to advertisers for their brands in these respective geographies.”

     

    With over 60 advertisers already on board the channel feeds in the USA, Canada, Singapore, UAE, Australia & New Zealand, TTN’s international business is setting a strong pace in growing its advertising revenue stream. Leveraging the network strength further, TTN is also in discussion with other content owners and broadcasters in India and South Asia for alliances that will see TTN taking their content and channels into international markets.

     

  • Zee partners ECG to launch Zee TV Canada

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee TV, the #1 South Asian Entertainment Network in partnership with Ethnic Channels Group Limited (ECG), Canada’s largest distributor of third language television services, launches Zee TV Canada!

     

    Zee TV will be available to Canadian viewers as a 24/7 service for the first time. Zee TV Canada will be available on Rogers, Bell and Telus starting February 1.

     

    Said Zee Americas CEO Suresh Bala, “The impact and growing importance of the South Asian diaspora in Canada cannot be overstated. And with the launch of Zee TV Canada, we are now in a position to address this significant opportunity. Zee has and continues to remain the leading South Asian media brand globally. 650 million viewers in 169 countries around the world are testament to its popularity. We are fortunate to have found an energetic and progressive partner in ECG and we are confident that this partnership will help us to exponentially grow our business in Canada.”

     

    “Ethnic Channels Group is privileged to partner with the #1 South Asian Channel in the World. Canadian viewers will be enthralled by Zee’s programming repertoire,” said Slava Levin Co-founder and CEO of Ethnic Channels Group.

     

    “As the largest distributor of international TV in Canada, the launch of Zee TV is a great addition to our Group,” added Hari Srinivas, President of Ethnic Channels Group.

     

    Zee now has six channels in Canada catering to the diverse group of viewers. ETC Punjabi, Zing, Zee Salaam, Zee Tamizh and Zee Cinema will now be joined by Zee TV Canada as a 24/7 channel! More information is available at www.zeetvcanada.ca or at the toll free number 1-855-WANT-Zee (1-855-9268-933).

     

  • Aaj Tak launches on Cogeco Cable, Canada

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, part of the TV Today network, has launched on Cogeco Cable Inc, a major Canadian cable telecommunications company that is supposed to be the second largest cable system operator in Ontario and Quebec in terms of Basic Cable service customers served.

     

    With this launch, Aaj Tak will now be accessible to viewers in Ontario, expanding Aaj Tak’s presence in the Ontario market. The channels will be sold in the following package- ATN + Zee Cinema + Big Magic + Aaj Tak + Headlines Today for $25 per month.

     

    Commenting on the launch, Ashish Bagga, CEO, India Today Group said, “It is a step in our endeavour to expand our presence in key markets across the globe. We want to be easily accessible to all our viewers worldwide at economical prices. Moreover, Cogeco is a perfect choice for broadcasting Aaj Tak in Ontario. Cogeco is a very capable group and they are doing an excellent work in Cable communications industry. We are hopeful this launch will strengthen and benefit both Aaj Tak and Cogeco.”

     

    Slava Levin CEO of Ethnic Channels Group, TV Today’s exclusive partner in Canada said, “Aaj Tak is one of India’s leading TV brands. This launch will help more viewers connect with the brand.”

     

  • FoodFood expanding in India, abroad

    By A Correspondent

     

    Food and food lifestyle channel FoodFood is now available on Tata Sky, channel no. 572. The channel has also increased its reach internationally by making an entry into Canada and Qatar.

     

    FoodFood channel’s content is a classic mix of cookery and food-based lifestyle shows such as Secret Recipe, Sanjeev Kapoor’s Kitchen, Roti Raasta Aur India, Turban Tadka, Style Chef and Mummy Ka Magic.

     

    The channel’s promoter Sanjeev Kapoor said, “FoodFood has ushered in a new wave in entertainment, that has engaged both men and women. The encouraging response has reaffirmed our commitment to offer enhanced value to audiences, partners and advertisers.”

     

    FoodFood has launched in Canada on Rogers Cable network. It is available in Qatar through the Asia Plus package on the QTEL Qatar Mosaic Platform. In India, in additon to MSOs across the country, the channel is available on all major DTH platforms. The channel also has a presence in the UAE.