Studio 18 to launch a satellite channel in India within a year 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 23, 2007 - 08:30 IST
Close on the heels of its deal with Richard Branson's Virgin Comics, Studio 18 announces the creation of a new 50-50 joint venture called Viacom-18. The strategic alliance will include television, film and digital media content across numerous brands to build India's leading multi-platform entertainment company.
As part of the agreement, Viacom-18 will launch a new Hindi general entertainment cable and satellite channel in India within the next year. It will include original and locally produced programming and acquisitions.
MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom, will contribute its successful local networks — MTV, Vh1 and Nickelodeon India — to the joint venture. Viacom-18 will also launch a further suite of targeted channels in the future from the MTV Networks portfolio, as well as new brands. Digital media content across all of the television brands will be developed and distributed to Indian consumers. The joint venture will also syndicate MTVN programming and newly-produced content.
The TV18 Group will contribute its Motion Pictures division (Studio 18) operation to the joint venture, which produces, acquires and distributes Hindi films. Additional cooperation in the Indian market beyond this alliance includes joint ownership of the management company for The Indian Film Company, which is in the process of being listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange.
In the coming months, Viacom's Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks studios will explore additional opportunities for collaboration with Viacom-18.
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