Big CBS Networks announces subscription rates for its channels

The first three channels to be rolled out by Big CBS Networks are Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Spark and Big CBS Love

Big CBS Networks, the joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, has finally announced the subscription rates for its soon-to-be-launched channels.

Big CBS Networks has finalised its rate-card for both addressable and non-addressable distribution platforms. The network has kept the rates for addressable (digital) platforms at 35 per cent of the non-addressable rates.

As per the rate-card, the Big CBS channels, comprising Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Spark and Big CBS Love would be available at Rs 14, Rs 11 and Rs 11, respectively. These are la carte rates for analogue -- the non-addressable platform.

For the addressable platform, including DTH and cable, the three channels will be distributed at a bouquet rate (non-addressable) of Rs 21.20 (Rs 9.20 for Big CBS Prime, Rs 6 for each Big CBS Spark and Big CBS Love).

Commenting on the rate-card for the three channels, Ashutosh, chief operating officer, Reliance Big Broadcasting, says that distribution is one of the most critical aspects for the success of a television channel.

He states, "Visualizing potential growth in digital as well as analogue platforms, there is a critical need for right pricing. Keeping in mind consumers' need for English GEC (general entertainment channel) and distributors' needs, Big CBS channels' prices have been fixed at very competitive levels. It will see positive response from distributors."

Big CBS Networks has also announced the commercial rates applicable to hotels and other institutes for the three channels. As per the rate-card, these are Rs 50 for Big CBS Prime and Rs 30 each for Big CBS Spark and Big CBS Love.

The rates have been announced and finalised in line with TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) norms. The distribution rates have been filed with TRAI and have been duly approved.

Besides the rate-card announcement, it was only recently that Big CBS Networks announced the appointment of Steinbranding Design Studios as the design agency for its three channels.

Steinbranding would work with Big CBS on designing the individual identities, logos and promotional rushes for all three channels.