BIG CBS Networks unveils fresh programming and future plans for the network

BIG CBS Networks Pvt. Ltd., an equal joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, is all set for the next quarter with its new fresh programming line-up and future plans for its Channels. The Network went live with 3 channels in a record breaking time of under 6 months and has managed to make space for itself. The channel is all set to offer the latest seasons of programming, airing concurrent to the US. The channel has acquired fresh content from leaders in international entertainment space like Boman Bridge, Alfred Haber, Bobby Goldstein and Medi-Asia.

In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Nikhil Mirchandani, Business Head, Television Channels, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. spoke about the fresh line ' up, new channel launch and the growth for the Network.

"The programming strategy of the BIG CBS Network, right since the beginning was to offer Indians home grown shows, tailored to suit local tastes", said Mirchandani. In keeping with the same, the channel hosted a successful season of India's Sexiest Bachelor. It is now set launch its next big locally produced show India's Glam Diva where 10 top diva's of India across the field of glamour, entertainment, business and sports will compete for the coveted title, judged on the characteristics of mind, body and soul. Nikhil further added, "BIG CBS programming is in keeping with our endeavor to offer Indians the latest, freshest and hottest content straight from America. Today, audiences have evolved and are looking for more than just soaps and films."

The networks other offering especially for the youth, BIG CBS Love keeps with its premium female audience entertainment, also has a stunning array of programs, offering top class entertainment from the US. Kid Nation, a kid reality show and brand new show, Excused, which premiers on the Channel, highlights a fresh take on dating, Rules of Engagement, Canada's Next Top Model, followed by New Zealand's Next Top Model with others.

With digitization and HD being the future of entertainment, the BIG CBS channels geared to serve superior quality HD content. The network will launch the BIG CBS HD channel with the best of HD content from the CBS library. Nikhil Mirchandani on this occasion said, "The content selected will be based on how visually impact that show or program is so that it is suitable to the HD quality". The investments for the venture would be something around 10 corer where the aim is to give its audience, an entertaining and wholesome viewing experience.

The Network currently reaches about 30 million households and with the refreshes programming and launch aims at capturing more eyeballs, especially in the next two quarters.

On the marketing front, the network uses its own platform to promote its products, along with buying other media spaces for amplification. The network has about 40 advertisers in its kitty, from multiple categories like telecom, finance, FMCG, durables etc. While there is a 30 -40 % month-to-month growth on this front, the channel network aims to grow more very soon.

However, there is about 90% revenue coming from advertising and only 10 % from subscription, the network plans to scale it upward, substantially.

Lastly, Mirchandani said, "We are happy with the way the Big CBS channels have shaped and delivered. The channels have grown the market and we have been able to bridge the existing void in international quality programming that existed. We now enter our next growth phase and are completely equipped with our hand-picked shows that match the tastes and sensibilities of our target audiences." | By Ankita Tanna [ankita(at)adgully.com]