Zee TV breaks ties with ATN; to go 24x7 in Canada

The channel will have the same prime time content as that of Zee US, while the other slots will have Punjabi and English programming to suit the demographics of Canada.

Zee TV has ended its more than a decade long content partnership with the Asian Television Network (ATN) in Canada.

Zee's agreement with ATN ends on January, 31.Until now, the Canadian broadcasting company, ATN distributed eight hours of Zee content on its network. Last year, Zee removed its movie channel, Zee Cinema, from this partnership; the channel is now available 24x7 in the region.

Zee has now come together with Ethnic Channels Group (ECG), a Canada-based television broadcasting, distribution and communications company, to launch the 24x7 channel, Zee Canada. Though the prime time programming on the channel will be the same as that of Zee US, the other slots will have Punjabi and English content to suit the demographics of Canada.

With this, the network will now offer six channels in all, available round the clock in Canada through ECG, including ETC Punjabi, Zing, Zee Salaam, Zee Tamizh, Zee Cinema and Zee TV Canada from February, 1.

Zee TV Canada will depend on both subscription and advertising for revenue.

Suresh Bala, CEO, Zee America, says, "The impact and growing importance of the South Asian diaspora in Canada cannot be overstated. With the launch of Zee TV Canada, we are now in a position to address this significant opportunity."

In an official communiqué, Slava Levin, co-founder and CEO of Ethnic Channels Group says that the availability of Zee's programming repertoire will be an opportunity for the audience.

"As the largest distributor of international TV in Canada, the launch of Zee TV is a great addition to our group,"

says Hari Srinivas, president, Ethnic Channels Group.

Interestingly, Zee was the first Indian network to tie up with ATN in 2001. Meanwhile, ATN has also recently announced the launch of its high-definition feed.

In July 1998, Zee TV expanded its presence in the international space by establishing itself in American households, reaching more than 2 million viewers.

For the record, ECG currently owns and operates 46 television channels. It also distributes various foreign services, acting as the official distributor on the broadcasters' behalf.

Meanwhile, after the removal of Zee TV from the bouquet, ATN distributes about 35 television channels in nine languages.