Big CBS launches 3 channels in Sri Lanka

MUMBAI: Beginning with Sri Lanka, Big CBS Networks, a joint venture (JV) of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, plans to expand its reach into the SAARC region.

The company has put on offer three of its channels -- Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Love and Big CBS Spark -- in Sri Lanka. The network will also evaluate the possibility of dubbing the content in local languages in the future.

Initially, the channels will be distributed with the biggest cable operator, Lanka Broadband Network. Later, the Network has plans to launch across the entire SAARC region comprising Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Afghanistan across all platforms.

According to Big CBS, the channels are being 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.

With limited English entertainment options, the Big CBS channels have been designed to target Sri Lanka?s fast-growing, upwardly mobile population. Targeting the 15+ English speaking audiences, the channels will be available in Sri Lanka across cable platforms and key hotels.

The CBS content to be offered by the channels include hits such as Hawaii Five-0, America?s Next Top Model, NCIS, Survivor, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, 90210, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Entertainment Tonight.

Big CBS Networks business head Vishal Rally said, ?This is a natural extension to make accessible the superlative content library of BIG CBS to audiences in the international markets."