Star Network expands UK channel with extended distribution partnership with Sky

Besides a channel carriage renewal for its existing channels, Star TV will also launch HD and on-demand services as well as Star Jalsha

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | November 27, 2012

Star Network and Sky have agreed on a new multi-year carriage deal that will see an expanded range of Star's entertainment channels and programming available to Sky's customers. The agreement forms part of Sky's ongoing commitment to deliver greater breadth, depth and value for all subscribers, including those audiences who value high-quality programming from overseas.

Now with a monthly reach of over 1.5 million viewers, Star Network's portfolio of channels respond to the growing demand for high-quality Hindi and Bengali language programming.  In addition to a channel carriage renewal for its existing channels, Star TV will also launch HD and on-demand services as well as Star Jalsha, to better satisfy customers.

The agreement sees Sky renew its distribution partnership for Star Network's leading range of Hindi-language entertainment and Bollywood film channels, including Star Plus, Star Life OK and Star Gold. This follows the recent launch of Star Plus HD, the UK's first Asian TV channel in full high definition.

On November 22, 2012, the renewed carriage deal brought a new entertainment channel, Star Jalsha, to Star's UK channel line-up.  Star Jalsha is the number 1 Bengali general entertainment channel in India, offering premium content including drama and reality series, cultural and religious shows, cookery programmes, comedies and more.

In addition, the partnership between the broadcasters includes distribution rights that will see Sky offer access to Star Network's programmes through its catch-up platforms, including Sky's On Demand service.

Yeshpal Sharma, Senior Vice-President, UK & Europe, Star Networks, said, “It has been a fantastic journey with Sky so far and we are glad that with the multi-year deal Sky has recognised our commitment as the UK's No. 1 Asian television network offering top quality content to a growing Asian audience. We have built a firm foundation and are committed to taking it to new heights.”

Adrian Pilkington, Director of Partner Channels, Sky, said, “We're pleased to be extending our partnership with Star TV as viewing amongst the UK's Asian audience continues to grow strongly. At Sky, we're delighted to help Star's programming reach more than 10 million homes, and to give viewers more choice, control and flexibility by making Star's content available in high-definition and on-demand.”

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