The Walt Disney Co. has announced plans to acquire leading Indian children’s television channel Hungama TV. The move is part of the Mouse’s efforts to establish a greater presence in the growing media market, where Disney Channel and Toon Disney/Jetix already deliver Disney-branded entertainment to Indian children. Disney will also purchase an equity interest in media company UTV Software Communications Ltd. Both transactions are subject to regulatory approval.
”India is a long-term strategic priority for The Walt Disney Co.,’ says Andy Bird, president of Walt Disney International. ‘The acquisition of Hungama TV, and the investment in UTV will significantly advance our presence in India and allow us to develop a strategic relationship with one of the country’s leading integrated media companies.”
Launched in September of 2004, Hungama is a 24-hour Hindi-language cable channel for children, which consistently ranks among the top channels in India’s kids’ market. The network’s chief operating officer, Zarina Mehta, will work with the Disney team on the organizational and operational integration of Hungama into Disney’s portfolio of channels. In addition to using Hungama TV to exploit its existing brands, Disney plans to develop local creative content that reflects the lives of kids in India.
Disney currently reaches more than 107 million television homes in India through a program block on Hungama TV, while Disney Channel and Toon Disney/Jetix reach approximately 30 million homes on cable and satellite.
Through its investment in UTV, Disney will participate in the company’s diversified media businesses, which include television and film production and distribution, animation production and other services. In turn, UVT will benefit from the global media expertise brought by Disney, which develops and distributes family entertainment content in nearly 200 countries worldwide and expands franchises across film, television, music, merchandising, new media and live entertainment.
