RTL links with Indian broadcaster to launch new channels

The RTL Group, biggest commercial broadcaster in Europe, on Monday announced a joint venture with India's Reliance Broadcast Network to launch English-language television channels in India. Luxembourg-based RTL, part of German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, said the tie-up with Reliance would be operated by an equally owned joint venture company. The initial scope of the investment will include a "reality channel" airing content mainly from RTL Group’s production arm FremantleMedia, and an action-oriented channel primarily targeting male viewers. "RTL Group believes strongly in the Indian market, a market with a young population which loves TV and impressive potential for further growth," RTL executive vice president Andreas Rudas said in a statement. "We are thrilled to have such a strong local partner as Reliance Broadcast Network for our first broadcasting venture in Asia," it added. Reliance CEO Tarun Katial said his company was "committed to offering Indian audiences unprecedented international television content, and RTL Group’s extensive library and lineage compliment the partnership perfectly." RTL Group already boasts 43 television channels in 10 countries.