Zee & Star reunion to form distribution JV

Both joining hands after 12 years; Star-Den and Zee-Turner partnerships remain intact.

Rajat Arora | Delhi | May 24, 2011

The two biggest broadcasters of Indian TV are joining hands again after a break of 12 years to start a distribution venture. The move will add new dimensions to the broadcast industry as it will increase the share of subscription revenue. The joint venture will market all channels of Star India and Zee entertainment; however, there is no clarity on structure of the joint venture and its operation module. No one from Star India and Zee Entertainment was ready to comment on the development.

Currently, Star India has a joint venture with Sameer Manchanda's DEN Network and STARDEN Bouquet currently  includes Star Plus, Star One, Star Gold, STAR Movies, STAR World, Vijay Tv, Star Utsav, Star News, STAR Ananda, STAR Majha, STAR Pravah, Star Jalsa, Channel , National Geographic Channel, Fox History & Entertainment, Fox Crime, FX, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure, Nat Geo Music, Nat Geo – HD, Baby Tv, The MGM Channel, Asianet, Asianet Plus, Sitara, Suvarna, Star CJ Alive, NDTV 24x7, NDTV profit, NDTV India and NDTV Good Time.

At the other hand, all Zee channels are distributed by Zee Turner, a joint venture between Essel group and Turner International. The official spokes person of Turner India has confirmed BesMediaInfo.com that Zee's joint venture with Turner International would remain intact and the company will continue distributing all Zee channels.

Recently, Network18 and Sun Network had formed Sun18 in a similar manner to create the largest distribution network in the country.

Rajat.Arora@BestMediaInfo.com

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