Sony BBC Earth launches in India

BBC Worldwide has teamed with Sony subsidiary Multi Screen Media India to launch its premium factual channel BBC Earth in the country.

The Indian version of the channel will be called Sony BBC Earth and be an HD offering going available in Tamil, English and Hindi across India.  MSM will be the majority partner in the JV with Worldwide.

Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK public broadcaster, said the formation of the JV with MSM and launch of the channel needs regulatory approval and the process is underway.

Paul Dempsey, President, BBC Worldwide Global Markets said: “This is a pioneering model for us. By working with a respected local partner we can bring BBC Earth’s world class content to a new audience who we know have a huge appetite for premium factual programming.”

NP Singh, CEO, MSM added: “Sony BBC Earth is a joint venture between Multi Screen Media and BBC Worldwide; with MSM owning the majority stake.  This partnership with BBC Worldwide gives us an unparalleled edge in distributing factual programming to viewers across MSM’s network in India and to sharing with them, some of the best television content ever.

BBC Earth is one Worldwide’s three core channel brands. The company rejigged its channels offering last year and is rolling out Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First internationally.