UTV’s youth channel/brand with Malaysian co Astro Measat has been named Bindass. Apparently, UTV did research and now claim to know what the Indian youth wants; for reaching out to their target audience, they’ve planned to a mobile channel, 3 websites, games, merchandising and retail and nationwide events. As per the release, Bindass, the channel, has an outlay of Rs.200 crores, and is expected to be launched mid 2007. There are plans for for multiple channels across India and Southeast Asia, but they’re not planning to enter Print and Radio by themselves.
For games, UTV has already invested in Indiagames and Ignition; for retail and merchandising, they’re in talks with the Kishore Biyani’s Future Group. ET has more on the possible retail partnership and Cafe Lounges; Kishore Biyani is on the UTV board. UTV will also look to draw on Disney’s global experience in maximising use of content, which also explains Disney’s 14.9 percent investment in the company.
On the website: I just checked and bindass.com has been registered by a Media Z Technologies, as has bindass.in.
Related:
—UTV Plans $100 million Nasdaq Listing; Sameer Nair To Head JV With US Broadcaster?
—UTV’s Gaming Forays: Buys 51 Percent Stake in Indiagames; Also UK-Based Ignition; Total $30 Million
—Media And Entertainment Industry To Consolidate; Revenues To Double By 2010