TTN inks distribution deal with TheOneAlliance

The distribution company will exclusively manage the collection of subscription revenue for ET Now, Movies Now, Times Now and Zoom.

Times Television Network (TTN) has entered into a strategic partnership with TheOneAlliance, a distribution company that will exclusively manage the distribution of its four channels - ET Now, Movies Now, Times Now and Zoom in India.

According to the terms of the deal, TheOneAlliance will be responsible for collection of subscription revenue for the channels, for platforms such as cable (analogue and digital), DTH, IPTV and HITS, while marketing and channel penetration strategies will be independently dealt by the Times Television Network. The arrangement is for a minimum tenure of three and a half years, and may be extended to 10 years.

Earlier known as SET Discovery, TheOneAlliance is a joint venture between Sony's Multi Screen Media and Discovery Communications, focused on distributing the channels on to various digital and analogue platforms.

Sunil Lulla, managing director and chief executive officer, Times Television Network, says, "The TTN channels reach over 100 million viewers in 30 million urban Indian households. As part of TheOneAlliance bouquet, our channels will benefit from penetration in more homes and availability on a wider choice of packages. We expect that the partnership will help us to effect realisation of a fair share of subscription revenue, while helping us grow ARPUs (average revenue per user) of each of these channels."

This deal is however restricted to the geographical boundaries of India, even though TheOneAlliance is operational in SAARC countries.

Rajesh Kaul, president, TheOneAlliance mentions that this deal has helped the company to move from 24 to 28 premium channels.

The distribution company hosts other channels such as Sony Entertainment Television, Discovery Channel, SET Max and SAB TV. It also manages the Pay TV business for channels across genres.

Times Television Network is a part of the Times group. It brings news, stock market news, Bollywood news and movies through its channels in various genres. The network is available in 45 countries across the globe.