MUMBAI: UTV has launched its English business news channel UTVi and has signed a strategic content tie-up with Disney-ABC International Television (Asia Pacific), the international TV distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, for ABC News programming and services.
Govindraj Ethiraj has been appointed as the editor-in-chief, whereas Arun Anant will head the company as CEO. Sumit Gupta has been appointed as chief operating officer.
The collaboration with ABC News offers UTVi audiences a global perspective and international programming.
UTV Software Communications Ltd CEO Ronnie Screwvala says, "The English Business News segment reflects a huge opportunity. To date the first mover in the Business television space occupies 80 per cent market share – which to us reflects a tremendous untapped opportunity. With UTV’s experience in Content, Business and Broadcasting, and with one of the best teams assembled, we feel extremely excited to enter this space."
"Today, the young Indian, the entrepreneur, the CEO – all need to be globally informed and have a 360 degree perspective on Business, much more than stocks and shares, and that’s what we aim to do at UTVi. Our tie up with ABC News will not only bring International perspective, but with their prowess in News and Feature shows- add that cutting edge that our viewers will want from a well rounded Business Channel," he added.
ABC News president David Westin says, "We are pleased to be collaborating with UTVi in their new enterprise. This gives us an excellent opportunity to provide our reporting to the people of South Asia, as well as to enhance our coverage of news in the region. We also plan to work with our new colleagues at UTVi to create news programs and bulletins combining the expertise of both organizations for the benefit of the growing UTV audiences."
Anant added, "UTVi will be India’s most powerful, interactive news and information network. We will connect real time news through multiple platforms like television, web and mobile. UTVi will be a business news channel going beyond the stock markets."
The programming of the channel will de-jargonize the financial markets.
Ethiraj said, "UTVi is a product that is built on exhaustive consumer insights and understanding. Our aim is to grow the market for business news and information in India, as it is growing globally. We also believe that today’s students, managers, businessmen and entrepreneurs want information and knowledge that empowers them from within India and the world at large. The service will also offer cutting edge shows on careers, technology, automobiles, travel and good living."
Broadcast Design International, a California based, has been retained to create the sets for the channel. The new dynamic graphics package and logo for UTVi News has been created by Renderon Broadcast Design, a Toronto based production and multimedia firm.
