The Hindu Business Line : Star enters distribution pact with Times Now, Zoom

Mumbai, Aug. 24 Star Group (Star) has announced a distribution arrangement with Times Now and Zoom. Times Now is the English news television channel and Zoom is the lifestyle and entertainment channel in the country.

The changing landscape with increasing digitisation presents an opportunity to both channels to develop a multi-revenue strategy through this distribution arrangement with Star.

Besides, Star’s own bouquet service offering will grow stronger with these two distinctive channels.

“Times Now and Zoom are strong brands in India and have grown from strength to strength since their launch in the country. This new partnership between India’s two most powerful media organisations, Star India and Bennett, Coleman & Company Ltd, will combine our complementary strengths into an invincible amalgam,” said Mr Paritosh Joshi, President, Star India.

Star will represent Times Now and Zoom to build subscription revenues for analog cable, DTH platforms and other digital delivery systems.

Commenting on the deal, Mr Sunil Lulla, CEO, Times Now, said: “Times Now is very pleased to build this new relationship with Star. The channel enjoys enormous confidence from its viewers, which enables it to additionally earn subscription revenues. With this relationship, Times Now augments the Star Group’s bouquet offering with India’s leading English news channel.”

Mr Suresh Bala, CEO, Zoom, said: “For Zoom, this relationship with Star enables it to grow its subscription revenue at a faster rate.

“Zoom enjoys a strong franchise with urban and upscale audiences, with its unique offering of glamour and Bollywood news. This will further strengthen Star India’s customer offering.”

Both channels expect to grow their penetration across India via Star bouquet. Times Now and Zoom will remain free-to-air in the current CAS markets.