AETN launches Indian channels

A&E Television Networks is launching a raft of channels in India after striking a joint venture with the Network18 Group.

This will mark the relaunch of the US international pay TV broadcaster’s History Channel, after its initial incarnation, a joint venture with News Corp’s Star, closed down in 2008.

Network18, which operates a number of joint venture channels including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon and CNBC-TV18, will own 51% of the joint venture with A&E Television Networks owning the remaining share.

The new company will launch the History and Bio channels as well as other channels from the A&E stable, which includes Crime & Investigation Network, Military History and Lifetime Movie Network.

“I am delighted about the launch of our joint venture with Network18 in India. Indie presents us with strong growth opportunities for AETN’s global portfolio strategy,” says AETN chief executive and president Abbe Raven.