MUMBAI: Reliance Broadcast Network‘s (RBNL) hybrid channel, specifically created for the international market, is ready to tap the big American market where several Indian broadcasters have already made their entry.
After testing the global waters in Canada this June, Big Magic International has launched in the United States hoping to find appeal from its mix of entertainment, infotainment and business Indian fare.
RBNL has signed with Dish Network and will be available both on DTH and IPTV. For Dish Network‘s direct-to-home (DTH) subscribers, it will be part of the Hindi Mega Pack. It has also worked out a deal to reach out to Dish Network‘s IPTV offerings.
"We will be available on Dish‘s base pack for South Asian audiences. We have a revenue share arrangement with them. They are also working out IPTV offerings," said a RBNL spokesperson.
Big Magic International will also be available as an a la carte channel by optimising Reliance Group synergies with Big Flix Video on Demand - which has a library of more than 2000 movies, including a regional movie catalogue, catering to the South Asian language groups, offering a combo service.
"The combo pack on Big Flix is priced at $5," the spokesperson added.
Big Magic International takes content from Reliance ADAG‘s television channel, its international properties and business news channel Bloomberg TV for the Indian market.
RBNL is looking at getting both subscription and advertisement sales in the US market. Big Magic International has appointed Mediamorphosis LLC as its "exclusive" advertising agency in the US.
RBNL CEO Tarun Katial said, "Backed by the success that Big Magic International has seen in Canada, we are excited to be entering the key market of United States. We have strategically activated all levers ranging the product content, distribution partners and ad sales agency, after mapping the market to understand what it can deliver for us. We are confident of the channel resonating well with audiences, while offering an effective platform to marketers. We are progressing as planned, with our international expansion and growth strategy and look forward to continuing to deliver value to all our stakeholders."
The programming on Big Magic International will be a mix of daily sitcoms, socio-mytho programs, crime shows, dramas, and religious shows hand-picked from Big Magic India. It will also showcase televised award shows created by the RBNL‘s intellectual property vertical.
