MUMBAI: Turner International and the Miditech’s Alva Brothers (holding company) have entered into a partnership to launch an entertainment channel in Hindi and other Indian languages, targeted at the urban Indian audience.
Additionally, Turner will also acquire a minority stake in Miditech, including all shares previously held by ICICI Ventures. The partners (Turner International & Alva Brothers) are currently seeking all regulatory approvals.
Under the agreement, Turner and the Alva Brothers will each own 50 per cent of the broadcasting venture. The yet-to-be-named entity will leverage the Alva Brothers in-depth understanding of Indian audience’s entertainment needs and Turner’s expertise in operating broadcast networks globally. The venture will be managed by both the partners.
Miditech will continue to be an independent content producer, focused on creating winning content for all broadcasters and corporate clients.
Alva Brothers co-promoter Niret Alva said, “The relationship with Turner reaffirms the confidence Miditech enjoys in the marketplace. It will enable Miditech to independently widen the scope and depth of its innovative creative services to broadcasters and related customers. It’s the beginning of a new journey of leadership for quality and imaginative content.”
“The partnership with the Alva Brothers further strengthens Turner’s presence in one of the most dynamic media markets in the world. This is our first foray in the general entertainment space in India, and we are confident that this powerful partnership, drawing on the strengths of both partners, will deliver ground-breaking quality programming to Indian audiences,” said Turner International India Pvt. Ltd managing director Anshuman Misra.
Alva Brothers co-promoter Nikhil Alva added, “Entering the broadcasting arena with the global expertise of Turner begins an exciting new chapter for the Alva Brothers. The channel will provide fresh alternative content to an increasingly discerning audience. We are confident that with our proven track record in the Indian media industry, the differentiated offering will appeal to the audience targeted.”
Miditech also produces Galli Galli Sim Sim (the Indian version of Sesame Street) for Turner’s kids channels Cartoon Network and Pogo.
