NewsCorp.

Star-lit growth

Media baron Rupert Murdoch’s Star Network is inarguably among the top media and entertainment operators in India. According to estimates, NewsCorp has pumped in around Rs 5,000 crore in the past decade in India to cash in on the fast growing cable and satellite market. In the coming years, Star India is expected to make up for 50% of News Corp?s revenues, led by its diversification in the regional broadcasting space and the growth of its Hindi and English language programming. From five channels in 1991, Star India today has over 20 channels across eight languages in India. India generates more than 30% of Star’s revenues led by its flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Star Plus.

Time Warner

Baby steps to success

For Time Warner, India is currently one of the biggest and fastest growing market in Asia-Pacific,? says Anshuman Misra, managing director, Turner International India, part of the US-based media conglomerate Time Warner. It has been a little guided in going whole hog in the market, but Turner, through channels such as Cartoon Network, Pogo, HBO, and CNN International, has built a strong equity among its target audience. It recently entered the the much-crowded but lucrative Hindi general entertainment segment recently by buying out Imagine, earlier owned by news broadcaster NDTV. Turner plans to expand its presence across English, Hindi and regional space over the next few years.

Discovery

Discovering India

With no Bollywood content, cricket, religion, or family soaps, luring in Indian viewers wouldn’t be considered an easy task but not for Discovery Communications. After a series of experiments with content, language, and the overall look and feel of the offerings, the network that began with one channel, today boasts of bouquet of six niche offerings. ?Our Indian viewership jumped 27% even during the economic downturn,? says Tom Keaveny, executive vice-president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific. According to Rahul Johri, senior vice-president and general manager, Discovery Networks, Asia Pacific, the Indian market, today, accounts for about 8% of its global viewership.