Dec 10 2008
RCN bringing STAR’s top three Indian channels to U.S.
Three popular Indian television channels will soon land in the U.S. via the all-digital media platforms owned by Nasdaq-listed RCN Corp., the channels’ owner Asia-based STAR said Monday.
A unit of News Corp., STAR has licensed STAR India PLUS, STAR India GOLD, and STAR ONE to RCN’s platforms in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, with plans to eventually expand the offering to all subscribers.
Viewers in the all-digital service areas can now subscribe to STAR India PLUS, the country’s top general entertainment channel eight years running with soap operas, the nation’s favorite reality and game shows.
Also featured are STAR India GOLD, with Bollywood blockbusters, and STAR ONE, which broadcasts next-generation Hindi entertainment meant to reach urban, upwardly mobile Indians, including the show “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.”
“The addition of these three top Indian entertainment channels is only the first step in RCN’s robust expansion of international programming,” Richard Ramlall, RCN’s senior vp for strategic external affairs and programming, told M.I.T. on phone from Hong Kong.
