STAR, Jupiter join hands, target south Indian TV audience

Bangalore, Nov 14 (IANS) STAR, one of Asia's leading entertainment companies, and parliamentarian Rajeev Chandrasekhar's company Jupiter Entertainment Ventures Friday announced a joint venture targeting south India.

The joint venture, the STAR Jupiter Entertainment Television, is aimed at 'enhancing the television viewing experience of south Indian audiences', the two companies said.

"This is a game changing partnership for us. It allows us to connect deeply with the rapidly growing south Indian audience by providing compelling television that truly resonates with viewers there,' STAR CEO Paul Aiello said in a statement.

"And by adding the south Indian channels to our extensive portfolio of Hindi and regional language channels, we have taken a big step towards becoming a truly national broadcaster in India."

Added Jupiter's Chandrasekhar: 'I am sure STAR Jupiter will become the pre-eminent provider of entertainment for customers and viewers in the four states of south India.'

Under the agreement and subject to regulatory approvals, STAR Jupiter will become the majority shareholder of Asianet Communications Ltd (ACL), which currently broadcasts channels in Kannada (Suvarna), Telugu (Sitara) and Malayalam (Asianet, Asianet Plus).

Vijay, the Tamil language general entertainment channel currently operated and owned by STAR, will now also come under STAR Jupiter, the statement said.

The joint venture is expected to make additional investments towards developing and launching new channels in south India in a few months.

STAR and Jupiter are also exploring new areas of cooperation including film co-production by Fox STAR Studios and Indigo Movies, Jupiter Entertainment's movie production arm.