Reliance, RTL launch action channel Thrill in November

Indian media company Reliance and European broadcaster RTL are to launch action channel BIG RTL Thrill in India in November, marking the first channel launch from the pair’s joint venture.

BIG RTL Thrill will launch on November 5 and follows the company’s joint venture announcement last year. The two companies are also planning to launch a second channel, a reality network, although this will follow BIG RTL Thrill.

The channel will launch with a raft of international series including Fear Factor, Cobra 11, Criss Angel, Wipe Out and Baywatch as well as a number of international action films.

It will initially launch in Uttar Pradesh, with content dubbed in Hindi, before rolling out to other regions across India as well as Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

“BIG RTL Thrill comes as an answer to the Indian males’ quest for action entertainment. The product is world class, served in Hindi, and has been designed to fill a clear void that exists in the market, ensuring high audience engagement. With the launch of this channel, Reliance Broadcast Network fortifies its standing in Uttar Pradesh, offering advertisers a robust and unmatched offering in the region, delivering exceptional value for their brands,” said Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network.

“This is an exciting moment for us at RTL Group; it’s our first step into the Indian broadcasting market, which offers very promising growth opportunities. We will contribute our long-term broadcasting and programming expertise to BIG RTL Thrill – with high-quality content targeting a clearly defined audience. The powerful combination with Reliance Broadcast Network will help ensure that BIG RTL Thrill becomes a strong new brand on the Indian market,” added Andreas Rudas, EVP, regional operations and business development, CEE and Asia, RTL Group.