New Punjabi TV channel from Reliance and CBS joint venture

Big CBS, the Indian broadcaster operated by the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Broadcast Network (RBNL) and CBS Studios International, is to launch a Punjabi TV channel this month, reported Economic Times of India.

Spark Punjabi will be available from 14 January across both digital and analogue broadcast platforms in the Indian states Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh.

The channel, which is targeting viewers over 15 years old, will feature US content from CBS dubbed in Punjabi, as well as Punjabi music and local programmes in Punjabi. 

The region has a large affluent base, with 78% television and 88% cable and satellite penetration.

“India’s booming regional TV industry with its limited regional entertainment options is an opportunity that we are leveraging,” said Tarun Katial, chief executive, Reliance Broadcast Network.

This year the broadcaster plans to launch two or three dubbed channels catering for regional audiences in India, according to the Economic Times of India.