NBC links with NDTV for India push

NBC Universal plans to export its channels and formats to India after inking a joint venture deal with NDTV. Peter Smith, president NBC Universal International said there are plans to launch channels including Sci Fi and 13th Street within six-to-twelve months and that NBC formats will appear on NDTV channels.

Smith said no formats deals have been finalised yet but that discussions will take place soon. NDTV operates a bouquet of channels in India including lifestyle offering NDTV Good Times and entertainment channel NDTV Imagine, which launched on January 21st. The NBC/NDTV deal gives the US company 26% of its Indian counterpart with an option to raise that to 50% in two years.

NBC wants to maximise the revenues it generates outside of the US and said India is a key international market. Jeff Zucker, NBC president and CEO told journalists: "India is one of the most important markets in the world and we think it will become more important in the weeks and months ahead."