A+E Networks | TV18 to launch factual lifestyle & entertainment network

A+E Networks | TV18 in India will launch FYI TV18, a contemporary factual lifestyle and entertainment network reflecting how people actually live their lives today, across DTH , Digital & Analog cable platforms this July.  The announcement was made jointly by Sean Cohan, President, International and Digital, A+E Networks and Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman Network18.

FYI TV18 will feature over 100 hours of Hindi-language programming to start with, including 3 locally produced shows at launch. The new brand will draw on the success of its U.S. parent, which has garnered a strong reputation for ground-breaking formats and break-out hits such as Man Vs Child; Tiny House Nation, Seven Year Switch, Arranged, among others. Through the strength of its series and rapidly growing fan base, FYI has achieved significant growth in the fiercely competitive U.S. Market.

In the U.S., FYI ranks as the #1 upscale entertainment network on ad supported cable on a Live+7 basis.  Additionally, 1Q16 was FYI’s Best Quarter Ever among A18-49, W18-49 and A18-34, showing increases of +7% with A18-49, +8% with W25-54 and +17% with W18-49 vs. 1Q15.

Sean Cohan, President International and Digital media said, “We are delighted that FYI TV18 will soon be available to Indian viewers. FYI has been a tremendously strong brand for us in the United States, as the most upscale and fastest growing network in cable.  India presents strong growth opportunities for A+E Networks’ global portfolio strategy and we’d like to replicate the success of HISTORY TV18 as well as other powerful global brands in our bouquet, starting with FYI TV18’.”

FYI TV18 will offer an adventurous and personalized approach to peoples’ taste, space, relationship, story, and more. Its off-script format brings viewers a diverse mix of programs exploring genres like relationships, space and taste. The unique network will embrace the way a new Indian generation experiences their lives today, not defined by one passion or interest. Appealing to an upscale audience, FYI TV18 will create inspired entertainment with a younger, more modern sensibility.         

Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman Network18 said, “The launch of FYI TV18 is in-sync with our philosophy of providing fresh, modern content for an India on the go. After redefining news and general entertainment for Indian audiences, we believe the time is ripe for another disruption in the lifestyle space.”

FYI TV18 will build on A+E Networks’ philosophy of blending powerful international programming brands with home grown content at a scale that no other broadcaster can match.

Avinash Kaul, CEO, IBN News Network and President A+E Networks | TV18, said, “India is changing rapidly and this generation of millennials is at the forefront of radical upheavals in technology, family dynamics, gender equality, entrepreneurship etc. We believe there is a need for a sounding board to cater to this community which finds itself at fault-lines of change. FYI TV18 will be that sounding board.”