MxMIndia

Tag: CBS Studios International

  • The series will feature an Indian cast

    Locomotiv Digital acquires rights for desi Ray Donovan

    By A Correspondent

     

    Locomotive Global, the content company set up by former Sony Pictures honcho Sunder Aaron and Scott Anderson of Anderson Media, has acquired rights for the drama series Ray Donvan from CBS Studios International. The series will feature an Indian cast.

     

    Said Aaron: “India is one of the biggest entertainment markets in the world. There is a voracious appetite for high-quality drama series throughout the region. We think Ray Donovan, with its complex and gritty storylines and strong anti-hero central character, is in sync with the themes and genres that are resonating with Indian viewers right now. Our adaptation will bring Ray into the Indian milieu with the protagonist now a “fixer” in Bollywood. We look forward to developing this first-rate series for a whole new fanbase.”

     

    Added Roxanne Pompa, Vice President, International Formats for CBS Studios International said: “India has become an increasingly important market for scripted drama and we are seeing more and more high-quality content coming from the region. Locomotive’s idea to adapt the story and iconic central character of Ray Donovan in India market is both exciting and timely and we look forward to seeing how Indian viewers will respond.” Locomotive Digital is reported to be identifying broadcast and digital distribution partners.

     

     

  • The new deal gives AXN access to all content distributed by CBS

    AXN India and CBS Studios announce television content deal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi Screen Media’s leading English Entertainment Channel in India, AXN, has announced a multi-year content deal with CBS Studios International. The new deal gives AXN access to all content distributed by CBS, including the exclusive rights to air some of CBS’s biggest existing television series, like Hawaii Five-0 and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, as well as the rights to all new shows produced by CBS Television Studios.

     

    CBS Studios International distributes some of the best long-running shows, like Blue Bloods, Survivor, Elementary, Beauty and the Beast, NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, among others. This year’s line-up has shows including CSI: Cyber, a spin-off of the hit CSI franchise focused on the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI, and NCIS: New Orleans, a spin-off of the popular NCIS procedural set in the Big Easy. Other new CBS dramas include Madam Secretary, which stars Téa Leoni as the newly appointed Secretary of State, and Scorpion, about an eccentric genius and his team of brilliant misfits who help protect against high-tech threats of the modern age.

     

    NP Singh

    Commenting on this occasion, NP Singh, CEO, Multi Screen Media, said, “This acquisition marks a memorable milestone in the journey of MSM. It has been our endeavour to create a differentiation for our viewers through product offering and innovations, both through our marketing and content novelties. The CBS deal allows us to more effectively build and deliver a rich library of content to our viewers, thereby strengthening the commitment of MSM to the Indian entertainment market.”

     

    “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with AXN India and deliver more of our world class programming to audiences across India and the subcontinent,” said Barry Chamberlain, President of Sales, CBS Studios International. “We have an exciting slate of new and returning content that will be right at home on the channel.”

     

  • Unveils a new line up of shows in the humour genre, strengthening its leadership with exciting new offerings

    Spark Punjabi launches new shows

    By A Correspondent

     

    Spark Punjabi, the international Punjabi channel which is a joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, is adding a new spark to its programming. True to its promise to deliver variety entertainment relevant to different target groups, beginning June 11, Spark Punjabi will feature special shows.

     

    Comedy seems to resonate very well with the viewers, even in the PHCHP region, and hence Spark Punjabi will be launching 2 new shows – Naadaniyaan, a situational comedy, and Bulbulay, a story of four lunatic characters, in the prime time slots.

     

    The new shows are being promoted through an aggressive multi media campaign, featuring TV, Radio, OOH, Print, Digital, Cable, Cinema across the PHCHP region to ensure that audiences quickly sample these new offerings.

     

    The channel launched these shows in sync with its recent campaign called ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’, designed to increase awareness and empower consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes, while also enabling operators to build their brand equity.

     

  • Karmik designers like Rohit Bal, Neeta Lulla, Anamika Khanna, JJ Valaya, Rocky S, Shantanu & Nikhil, Rina Dhaka and Kavita Bhartia to be part of the show

    ‘I Love Style’ powered by Karmik on BIG CBS Love

    By A Correspondent

     

    After the success of India’s Glam Diva, BIG CBS Love has launched its second home grown property, ‘I Love Style’, powered by Karmik. BIG CBS Love, the joint venture channel between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, is known for its international content. The channel has recently begun to create content locally and ‘I Love Style’ powered by Karmik, will be the ultimate destination for to all that one would desire to know on style and fashion.

     

    Karmik, the latest name to accessible designer-wear fashion, is the most appropriate partner for the show, and together, the brands promise to offer a show that depicts style and panache.

     

    At a press conference, held in C’est La Vie Lounge, Mumbai, Neeta Lulla, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated designers, along with Genelia Deshmukh, shared insights of some of her famous bridal outfits, the intricacy that goes in to dressing up a bride, what fashion really means and why she loves style.

     

    I Love Style will take all the style and fashion-conscious women through an intimate expedition of the latest in style, fashion, grooming and more.

     

    As the show progresses, it will feature biggest names in fashion from the Karmik stable like Rohit Bal, Anamika Khanna, JJ, Valaya, Rocky S, Abraham & Thakore, Gaurav Gupta, Ranna Gill, Shantanu and Nikhil, Rina Dhaka, Kavita Bhartia and more…

     

    The show is hosted by the model and anchor, Karishma Naina Sharma and is backed by veteran fashion guru, the founder editor of Harper’s Bazaar India, Sujata Assomull as the style expert on the show.

     

    The show will also go on-ground with audience connect properties like ‘I Love Style Bazaars’ – where designers with quirky styles will be invited to showcase their collection; and ‘I Love Style Parties’.

     

    Ensuring connect on social media, BIG CBS Love and Karmik will also launch a hunt for their stylish ‘Karmik Diva’.

     

    Commenting on the show, Mr. Vishal Rally, Business Head, BIG CBS Networks said: “The property is unique and first of its kind in India, tailored keeping in mind the specific preferences of our audiences. We are confident that we have the right concept to ensure the show delivers everything that the audiences desire to know on Style. We are happy to partner with Karmik and see excellent synergies coming into play which will benefit both consumers and marketers alike.”

     

    Mr. Pradeep Hirani, founder of Karmik said: “What would have better than to partner with and BIG CBS Love to make a stylish show - ‘I Love Style’. I am sure that people will love the show.”

     

  • Logo unveils across Reliance Broadcast Network’s television bouquet on May 10

    BIG RTL Thrill gears for launch and unveils logo

    By A Correspondent

     

    The recently named BIG RTL Thrill from the Reliance Broadcast Network and RTL Group joint venture will unveil their logo through a multi-media campaign on May 10. The logo will be revealed through an extensive campaign across its television channel bouquet BIG CBS Prime, Spark, Love, Spark Punjabi, BIG Magic and UTV Bloomberg, which will run through the summer as the channel gears for launch.

     

    The logo of the new channel, which is positioned as the country’s first action entertainment channel, was designed by Singapore-based BDA and will be seen extended across various on-air elements like promo-packaging, on-air graphics and the channel id.

     

    Targeted at male audiences across metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in the Hindi-speaking markets, the look and the feel of the logo is strong, solid and in-your-face. The red colour signifies energy, aggression and high action. The big, bold and sharp fonts and the rectangular block perfectly reflects the personality and core values of the channels – daring, action-packed, electrifying, sporty, challenging and adventurous. The channel, which is a result of detailed audience mapping and insight mining among Indian audiences, has a logo that is simple, yet impactful and promises to connect well with the mass male audiences in India.

     

    The present joint venture marks RTL Group’s entry into the burgeoning Asian television market and is Reliance Broadcast Network’s second international joint venture, following on the heels of its successful joint venture with CBS Studios International.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM -India’s largest FM Network; BIG CBS – A joint venture with CBS Studios International; BIG MAGIC – which marked the Company’s entry into the regional entertainment space. The company also distributesBloomberg UTV,India’s premier business news channel. In the space of live entertainment the company has BIG Live a division which develops, executes and markets Intellectual Properties, and synergizing excellently with this division is BIG Productions a division which functions as a television content production house catering to the diverse creative needs of the Indian television landscape.

     

     

  • The channel, which has positioned itself as a youth channel, boasts of having an intense understanding of their target audiences

    Spark 2B ultimate music destination: Rally

    By A Correspondent

     

    At a time when the numerous music channels are fighting to survive, it’s a big deal to turn one. Big CBS Spark, part of the Big CBS Network – the JV between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, completed one year on May 2.

     

    The channel, which has positioned itself as a youth channel with the core target group of 10-24, boasts of having an intense understanding and research of the entertainment requirements of their target audiences. “The transition to a music channel has helped, as the music content has increased and now people are able to relate to the channel as we are doing more and more stuff on Indian music scene,” said Vishal Rally, business head, Big CBS Networks.

     

    To stand out of the clutter and to reach out to the correct audience,  the channel conducted an extensive research study on various time slots catering to different age groups (what time of the day which age group (TG) prefers to listen to what kind of content). “We have created music time bands like Hip Hop MCs (for rap, hip hop music), Indie Rock Mania (for rock music and independent bands) and Hot Hitz. As we had the music library of major labels, we had the content. Our concern was planning and finding out the right kind of audience. Besides music, the channel also airs shows like the Cheaters, Maximum Exposure, Smash Cuts, Oblivious and Real TV targeting the youth audiences,” added Mr Rally.

     

    Apart from international music, the channel is also concentrating in providing a unique platform for independent artistes of the country to make Spark “the ultimate music destination”. “We offer original local content too with properties like Indie Music and The Great Gig in the Sky. The channel is attempting to incorporate almost every genre of music so that it has something to offer to everyone,” said Mr Rally.

     

    Talking about the channel’s future plans, Mr Rally said: “Our plan is to ensure the channel reaches the best content to its target audiences and strengthens its positioning as the ultimate music destination.”

     

    The first anniversary celebrations kicked off with a jam session between the pioneers of Sufi rock music, Junoon and the Indie Rock artist, Ankur Tewari.

     

  • A travelogue format introduced first time ever in the history of radio

    92.7 BIG FM announces Big Chhutti this summer

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 BIG FM,India’s No.1 FM Network, has announced ‘BIG Chhutti’ on radio. BIG Chhutti is a travelogue which is conceptualized for creating exceptional experiences for those passionate about travel. It would enable listeners explore distant lands that sit on their wish-list through the theatre of mind

     

    BIG Chhutti is dedicated to entertain listeners, deprived of spending vacations in hill stations. BIG RJs will travel to incredible destinations like Nainital, Rudraprayag, Chopta, Mussoorie, Kasauni, Jimcorbett, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti, Almora, Binsar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Landsdown, Kotdwar and Pauri. The RJs will give a picturesque view of destination, teeming with exotic wildlife and natural beauty, as well as its cultural treasures. These areas have been selected as it serve as sought-after locales for couples, families and singles alike.

     

    Listeners will find value in the show as it promises to offer rare glimpses of the said locations. The RJs will also visit the major attractions of the place including theme parks, hotels, resorts and so on. Not only this, show also empowers would-be travellers with on-ground realities such as stay facilities, best food joints, mode of transportation, shopping options thereby enabling them to plan their vacations economically and in a better way.

     

    The show is designed especially keeping in mind the summers hence will continue throughout May. BIG Chhutti will be aired in the mid-morning band across 11 stations of UP, MP and Jharkhand.

     

    The show offers an excellent platform for marketers of travel & electronic brands to reach a very relevant and plum audience base. Lotus Electronics of MP has partnered this unique concept.

     

    Company’s spokesperson said in a statement: “It’s a pleasure to organize a travel show on radio which not only caters to those deprived of travelling during vacations but also enable would-be travellers to plan their holidays rationally. This offering is another first from our stable, connecting our listeners through travel. To ensure relevance and direct connect BIG RJs will travel to holiday destinations & will bring real experience to the listeners. Radio is a local medium and this is part of our endeavour to offer audiences an opportunity to enjoy a varied platter of content that makes for relevance to audiences of the region, while offering marketers an excellent opportunity to connect with audiences.”

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands. It houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM, BIG CBS- a joint venture with CBS Studios International which has launched four channels, BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love, BIG CBS Spark and Spark Punjabi. Added to this
    robust bouquet, the Company also distributes Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel.

     

  • Three channel bouquet of BIG CBS now available to viewers of Dish TV

    BIG CBS Spark now on Dish TV

    By A Correspondent

     

    Close on heels of closing distribution deals for BIG CBS Prime and Love, the BIG CBS Network, a JV between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International has inked the distribution deal for the third channel BIG CBS Spark on Asia’s largest DTH provider – Dish TV.

     

    Positioned as the ultimate music destination, BIG CBS Spark offers the huge 12.5 million subscriber base of Dish TV access to the best music mix from the international and Indian market spread across genres.

     

    BIG CBS Spark, targeted at the youth audiences and catering to their entertainment requirements, is loaded with music and peppered with hit shows like the Cheaters, Maximum Exposure, Smash Cuts, Oblivious and Real TV.

     

    This deal takes the total reach of the BIG CBS Channels to a strong 42.5 million households, making sure it reaches its international English entertainment content to its relevant target audiences in India.

     

    With excellent synergies coming into play, the deal helps both businesses benefit with the digitization reform which is in the anvil.

     

    Speaking on the development, Salil Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer, Dish TV, said: “Dish TV, being the pioneer and market leader in DTH industry, has now the bouquet of Big CBS channels for all its valuable customers. We are proud to extend our partnership to the entire BIG CBS Bouquet – BIG CBS Prime, Spark and Love to our 12.5 million subscribers; Dish TV endeavors to bring entertainment at par best in terms of quality content, we hope that our alliance will mutually benefit each other.”

     

    Speaking on the alliance, Vishal Rally, Business Head, BIG CBS Networks said: “We are happy to have the BIG CBS Channel Network on Dish TV. This is part of our continued endeavour to reach the world-class content from India’s No. 1 English Entertainment Network – BIG CBS’s stable to audiences seeking English entertainment in India.”

     

    This alliance complements Reliance Broadcast Networks’ recent campaign called ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’, designed to increase awareness and empower consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes, while parallely enabling operators to build their brand equity. Reliance Broadcast Network has a robust well crafted 7 channel and is ready to maximize from the digital wave.

     

    An equal joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, BIG CBS Networks has changed the way English language television entertainment is served to Indian audiences. The JV, at start, launched 3 English language  Entertainment Channels marking not just RBNL’s, but the Reliance Group’s entry into the television broadcasting space and CBS Corporation’s channel  entry into India. The themed channels targeted at India’s fast-growing, upwardly mobile population are branded BIG CBS PRIME, a premium general entertainment channel, BIG CBS SPARK, India’s first international youth entertainment channel and BIG CBS LOVE, India’s first ever international entertainment channel for the contemporary Indian couple.

     

    Dish TV is Asia’s largest direct-to-home company and part of the biggest media conglomerate – Zee Group. Dish TV has on its platform 330+ channels and services including 21 audio channels with 12.5 million subscribers, which is growing. The company has a vast distribution network of about 1400 distributors and 55,000 dealers that spans around 6600 towns across the country.

     

  • Mr Rao will be responsible for growing sales and leading the team across the country, to grow client base and revenues for these channels.

    Yashraj Rao is National Sales Head for BIG Love & Spark

    By A Correspondent

     

    BIG CBS Networks announced the appointment of Yashraj Rao as the National Sales Head for its channels – BIG CBS Love and BIG CBS Spark. As part of his new role, Mr Rao will be responsible for growing sales and leading the team across the country, to grow client base and revenues for these channels. In his current profile, he will report to Vishal Rally, Business Head – BIG CBS Networks.

     

    With almost nine years of sales experience across industries, this trained pilot with the Indian Air Force holds a PGDBM from Birla Institute of Management. He began his career with Monster.com as a Corporate Relationship Manager, before moving into the Life Insurance Industry with Aviva Life Insurance as Assistant Manager, in the Corporate Sales portfolio. From there he moved to HDFC Life where he grew quickly from a Relationship Manager – Group Sales to Associate Vice President – Group Sales.

     

    A multifunctional sales, marketing, business development and professional services executive, Mr Rao comes armed with a combination of dynamic technical skills and proficient sales knowledge. His new profile marks his entry into the dynamic M&E industry. With skill sets which include relationship building, negotiating favourable deals, securing strategic alliances and laudable client development, Mr Rao is confident of being able to grow the market while offering excellent ROI to Clients through the Channels.

     

    Speaking on the appointment, Mr Rally, Business Head, BIG CBS Networks said: “Yashraj’s sound background across the dot com and insurance sectors along with skill sets, when combined with his ability to listen to prospects’ needs and develop solutions to meet their requirements, are what will work in his favour to lead the team to further growth. We are happy to have him on board and wish him an excellent innings at BIG CBS.”

     

    Commenting on his appointment Mr Rao said: “I feel honoured to take on this responsibility and feel proud to be part of an excellent media conglomerate. I look forward to working with the dynamic team here and am confident it will be long and fruitful journey for both.”

     

  • is the No. 1 channel in the region with leading prime time shows like Jerry Di Adaalat, Veer Hawaii De, Amreeka Di Top Model and international movies

    Spark Punjabi emerges winner for BIG-CBS

    By A Correspondent

     

    Spark Punjabi, the innovative international Punjabi channel launched by BIG-CBS, the Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS  jv, has reported excellent ratings by TAM. The channel has been rated as the leader during primetime of 7pm-12am, according to TAM reports, week 3-6 2012 (TAM India: CS4+ Males, Punjab 1 Mn+)

    With its endeavour to offer hand-picked world class content, dubbed in Punjabi to the audiences, the channel offers advertisers the best possible platform that they could seek, to reach out to audiences with minimal spill-over. The region is one of the richest regions and boasts of a strong base of affluent consumers. The market offers a good business opportunity for this channel format as it has excellent TV and C&S penetration, coupled with limited local language entertainment options.

     

    The channel is being supported by an integrated marketing plan leveraging multi-media platforms. With RBNL’s existing radio brand 92.7 BIG FM reaching 22 cities in the region and its OOH arm BIG Street’s 3,000+ ambient media options across the markets, BIG CBS Spark Punjabi offers marketers an integrated media opportunity.

     

    Speaking on the rating, Vishal Rally, Business Head, BIG CBS Networks said: “The strategy of taking world class content, tailoring it to meet local sensibilities and catering to the entertainment requirements of the people of Punjab has worked! Audiences have lapped up the channel, while advertisers are seeing excellent value for their brands.”

     

    The channel is available across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh (PHCHP) region and distributed on digital and analog platforms, with an extensive reach of over 6mn+ C&S households in the region.

  • Positioned as the ultimate music destination, the music offers a strong platform to artists, both international and Indian

    BIG CBS Spark goes musical for Gen Next

    By A Correspondent

     

    For most youth today music is a lifeline and BIG CBS Spark, in keeping with the needs of its Gen Next viewers, is coming out with some of the hottest and power-packed music-based shows. In its endeavour to sharpen the channel’s musical offering, the channel brings music based shows – Hip Hop MCs, Indie Rock Mania and Hot Hitz for its young audiences.

     

    Apart from urban-international music, BIG CBS Spark will also introduce fresh Indian music blocks ranging from hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, world, brass, chamber music, latest hits and more. The music segments will complement the existing shows like Cheaters, Max, Smash Cards, Oblivious and Real TV.

     

    In connecting with its audiences on ground, BIG CBS Spark will also feature college festivals, music concerts, youth fests, music launches and the likes. The channel will also offer a platform for young and upcoming artists to be showcased on the channel.

     

    With the youth as their audiences, the channel will see heavy use of social media to connect with audiences and already has in place a series of communications on the digital platform to engage with them.

     

    The sharpening of music content also comes from a deep understanding and in-depth research of what the audiences seek for entertainment. In gearing for digitization which is in the anvil, the channel is ensuring that it caters to the requirements of quality and variety for audiences while offering a value proposition to its operator-partners. This new offering compliments Reliance Broadcast Network’s recently launched ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’ campaign, which is designed to increase awareness and empower consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes, while also enabling operators to build their brand equity.

     

    A joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, BIG CBS Networks has changed the way English language television entertainment is served to Indian audiences. The JV launched 3 English language entertainment channels, marking not just RBNL’s, but the Reliance Group’s entry into the television broadcasting space and CBS Corporation’s channel entry into India.

     

    The themed channels targeted at India’s fast-growing, upwardly mobile population are BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Spark and BIG CBS Love.
    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has a multi-media play in the spaces of Radio, Television, Intellectual Property, Out of Home and Television Production, and specializes in creating & executing integrated solutions for clients, across the country. CBS Studios International, the leading supplier of programming to the international television marketplace, is a division of CBS Corporation,

     

  • To launch with English language feed; distribution deal with Lanka Broadband Network

    Big CBS Network’s channels expand reach into Sri Lanka

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big CBS Networks, a joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, recently announced its expanded reach into the SAARC region, beginning withSri Lanka.

     

    The company offers its three-channel bouquet – Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Love and Big CBS Spark, and will target the 15+ English speaking audiences inSri Lanka. The channels will be available inSri Lanka, across cable platforms and key hotels in the English language. BIG CBS Networks will also evaluate the possibility of dubbing the content in local languages in the future.

     

    With a GDP of $64.047 billion and a growth rate of 6.5 per cent,Sri Lankais one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It has a youth literacy rate of 98 per cent with the highest literate population amongst developing nations, an indication of a fast-growing English entertainment seeking audience. With limited English entertainment options, the Big CBS Channels are designed to targetSri Lanka’s fast-growing, upwardly mobile population.

     

    The channels will be launched on a fixed licensee fee model and will ensure regular and streamlined revenue from the market which will add to the bottom-line of the JV. Also, the same satellite with existing feed being utilized for this expansion ensures no technical cost to the JV.

     

    At start, the channels will be distributed with the biggest cable operator Lanka Broadband Network but plans are on to soon launch across all platforms across the entire SAARC region comprising of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

     

    Commenting on the same, Mr. Vishal Rally, Business Head, BIG CBS Networks said: “This is a natural extension to make accessible the superlative content of Big CBS to audiences in the international markets. With audience demographics similar to those of urbanIndia, we are confident of the channels doing exceedingly well. As a business model, this is a cost neutral expansion enhancing the JV’s profitability.”

     

    The wide range of popular CBS content to be offered by the channels will include hits such asHawaiiFive-0, America’s Next Top Model, NCIS, Survivor, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, 90210, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Entertainment Tonight and more.

     

    Big CBS Networks Private Limited is an equal joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, BIG CBS Networks has changed the way English language television entertainment is served to Indian audiences.