BCCL forays into TV distribution with JV

Bennett, Coleman & Co (BCCL) has announced a joint venture with Yogesh Radhakrishnan, an Indian cable and satellite industry professional, to form Media Network & Distribution (India) Ltd (MNDIL).

MNDIL will launch an independent distribution platform, Prime Connect, which will distribute channels through various platforms including MSOs, DTH, IPTV, emerging digital platforms across homes and commercial establishments across India. 

''India is the fastest growing cable and satellite market, with demonstrable growth potential for the distribution services industry. Distribution has played a significant role in shaping the success of Times Television Network's four channels and our learning's have contributed to the idea of creating Prime Connect,'' Vineet Jain, managing director, BCCL said.

MNDIL will be the exclusive distributor for The Times Group channels, Times Now, ET Now, Movies Now and Zoom, and will expand its bouquet to include third party channels too, the company said in a statement. Prime Connect had distributed the recently launched HD movies channel Movies Now.

''One of the biggest problems of the industry is the lack of platforms for independent broadcasters resulting in fewer independent ventures. The carriage market especially is in a chaotic state at the moment and it is causing great impediment for successful launches,'' said Radhakrishnan, managing director and CEO, MNDIL.

Prime Connect will focus on strengthening C&S distribution and placement for independent broadcasters, expanding into new revenue streams in current analog markets and exploring future digital potential of the Indian cable and satellite industry, the statement said.