FYI channel to launch in India

A+E has rolled out its FYI channel in the Indian market.

The lifestyle net was launched after A+E rebranded its Bio service, and it has been rolling it out internationally since.

The new female-skewed channel will be run by the A+E and TV18 joint venture and will be available in Hindi, Telegu and English.

There will be two local shows at launch, both unscripted offerings focused on relationships: Real 2 State Couples; and Rivals-in-law.

Real 2 State Couples will be fronted by Indian celebrity Chetan Bhagat and follow the lives of cross-cultural couples ahead of their wedding.

Rivals-in-Law is a Global Agency-distributed format that pits daughter in law and mother in law against each other in a cook off, with the husband and son judging the results. Local celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani will front the Indian version.

There will also be US shows from the US FYI net, which has Man Vs Child; Tiny House Nation and Seven Year Switch in its line-up.

FYI joins History as a A+E Networks/TV18 joint venture channel in the Indian market.

Adil Zainulbhai, chairman of TV18 parent Network18, said: “The launch of FYI TV18 is in sync with our philosophy of providing fresh, modern content for an India on the go. After redefining news and general entertainment for Indian audiences, we believe the time is ripe for another disruption in the lifestyle space.”

Sean Cohan (pictured), president, international and digital Media, A+E Networks said: “FYI has been a tremendously strong brand for us in the US, as the most upscale and fastest growing network in cable.

“India presents strong growth opportunities for A+E Networks’ global portfolio strategy and we’d like to replicate the success of History TV18 as well as other powerful global brands in our bouquet, starting with FYI TV18.”