MUMBAI: Big Magic International (BMI), part of Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL) has announced a strategic distribution tie-up with Canadian cable distribution companies - Telus, Cogeco, to boost coverage. Having launched last year with Ethnic Channels Group (ECG) as its exclusive distribution partner, the channel is now present in five of the six platforms, across GTA, East and the West Coast.
With this move, BMI reaches out to the South Asian diaspora living across Canada, with shows like ‘Rasoi ki Rani‘ and ‘Big Memsaab Season 6‘. Also planned in the pipeline are local shows targeting youth and a business show on the Success Stories of Indians in Canada.
Telus Optic TV covers Vancouver, British Columbia, Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary on the West Coast. It will beam on Channel 556 and free viewing at a $5 add-on.
Cogeco will serve the areas of Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Stoney Creek, Burloak, Brockville, Niagara Falls, St. Catherine, Peterborough, and Windsor among others in the Ontario region on Channel 1084. This in effect will cover the East Coast of Canada. Big MAGIC will be offered to viewers here as a package, with channels included being ATN, Zee Cinema, Big Magic, Aaj Tak and Headlines Today. This will be available to viewers for $25 per month.
BMI is the first variety entertainment channel to connect with the Indian community in Canada, according to the company.
Soumen G. Choudhury said, “We are happy to announce further penetration of the channel, through the launch on Telus and Cogeco. This will ensure that our shows that have seen popularity in India, grow global and entertain the viewers internationally too. Our partners, ECG have done a commendable job, giving us an increased penetration through their existing relationship with platforms across Canada.”
ECG president Hari Srinivas said, “While our audiences grow, we need to meet the demands of every segment of our viewers. With Big Magic International, we cover the most engrossed and interactive audience of South Asians, especially Indians”.
