RBNL partners with European entertainment giant RTL Group to launch thematic TV channels in India

RTL Group (RTL), the leading European Entertainment Network which is part of Bertelsmann AG, and Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL), one of India's youngest media conglomerates (through its subsidiaries), announced the signing of the Joint Venture Agreement to launch thematic television channels in India through an equally owned, joint venture company.

The joint venture company will be a limited liability Company, incorporated in India. RTL Group and RBNL (through its subsidiaries) will act as shareholders with an equal 50% equity interest in the joint venture.

The initial scope of the investment will include two English-speaking thematic TV channels; a reality channel with international content, mainly from RTL Group's production arm FremantleMedia, and a channel primarily targeting male viewers with action-oriented content.

Speaking on the occasion, Andreas Rudas, Executive Vice President Regional Operations & Business Development Central and Eastern Europe of RTL Group, said, "RTL Group believes strongly in the Indian market ' a market with a young population which loves TV and impressive potential for further growth. We are thrilled to have such a strong local partner as Reliance Broadcast Network for our first broadcasting venture in Asia."