This will be the first local channel in the Turner distribution bouquet which includes CNN, HBO and TCM and Cartoon Network. The move is seen as part of a strategy to build up a strong distribution lineup and emerge as a third alternative force behind Zee TV and Star TV.

The alliance would include packaged advertising, trade promotion, distribution and marketing of SABe TV, a source close to the deal said. "The business end of such activities will be handled by Turner International," he added.

SABe TV has a distribution team and is currently using the dealer network of Satellite Management Group. By shifting to Turner, it will carry a whole host of advantages: promotion, distribution and packaged ad sales. "While Turner will make an entry into the Hindi entertainment market, Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network will have a strong brand association with an international media giant," a media analyst said.

The Turner-run channels and SABe TV may work out cross promotions and a packaged advertisement pricing. Sri Adhikari Brothers, however, will continue with their ad sales team to book commercials independently on the channel, sources said.

Senior officials in both the companies, however, refused to confirm on the developments. When questioned, Turner International India managing director Anshuman Misra said: "I would not like to comment on anything at this stage." However, sources said the two companies are in the final stages of negotiation.

Turner may charge a distribution fee and earn a commission on the decoders. It has an all-India distribution team with regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and Delhi and operates through a network of dealers spread across the country.

While TCM and Cartoon Network reach out to 10 million homes, CNN was available in four million homes before being encrypted on July 3.

SABe TV plans to launch its channel in Europe, UK and US markets soon. It is in advanced talks with distribution platforms in these markets and is believed to make an announcement of its entry in Europe within two weeks.

Why is Turner interested in SABe TV? Because it will have the fourth Hindi entertainment channel (after Zee TV, Sony TV and Star Plus) in its bouquet. "It will increase its offerings and have an Indian content channel. However, it will still lack the menu variety of Star TV and Zee TV," an analyst said.With Star TV and Zee TV distributing its own Hindi channels, third party operators are looking at an alternative platform. While B4U has tied up with Modi Entertainment Network for the distribution of its music and proposed movie channels, SABe TV is looking at Turner to push its channel forward.