Big CBS channels spread reach to Sri Lanka

The three channel bouquet from Big CBS Networks is to be carried by cable operator Lanka Broadband Network, after the joint venture between India's Reliance Broadcast and the US' CBS Studios announced it is to expand its South Asian reach. Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Love and Big CBS Spark will be targeted at Sri Lanka's English language speakers over the age of 15, providing hit US shows such as Hawaii 5-0, Survivor, NCIS, Entertainment Tonight and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Dubbed content will also be considered for the Sri Lankan market in time. "This is a natural extension to make accessible the superlative content library of Big CBS to audiences in the international markets. With audience demographics similar to those of urban India, we are confident of the channels doing exceedingly well. As a business model, this is a cost neutral expansion enhancing the joint venture's profitability," said Vishal Rally, Business Head, Big CBS Networks. The network launched in India in November 2010, beginning with its Big CBS Prime channel. It now plans to launch on multiple platforms across the entire SAARC region, comprising Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan.