VIACOM18 ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF IT'S ALL-COMEDY CHANNEL IN INDIA-'COMEDY CENTRAL'

Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. (a 50:50 joint venture between Viacom Inc. and Network18), one of India's leading entertainment conglomerates, will expand its portfolio of brands in India with the launch of its 6th channel ‘COMEDY CENTRAL’. Launching on 23rd January 2012, ‘COMEDY CENTRAL’ will be the country’s first 24-hour channel dedicated to English language comedy content. The announcement was made today by Ferzad Palia, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, English Entertainment, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

From multi-award winning shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and South Park along with global hit shows such as Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, The Office, Seinfeld, The Wonder Years & That 70s Show the channel boasts of some of the biggest titles in its programming line-up. The channel will have a mix of all genres within comedy, ranging from Sitcoms to Sketch Comedy, British Comedy, Stand-Up & Gags, among others.

Commenting on the launch, Haresh Chawla, Group CEO - Viacom18 said, “With the launch of Comedy Central, Viacom18 now marks its presence in another under-served genre – English comedy. Given, its rich library of world-class shows and distinct positioning, we’re confident of Comedy Central establishing itself as one of the dominant players in the English Entertainment space in Indian television.”

Bob Bakish, President & CEO - Viacom International Media Networks, said, “Comedy Central is one of Viacom’s most distinct and successful franchises, globally. We feel that the time is now right for Viacom18 to introduce Comedy Central in India, given the growth curve of the Indian television entertainment market.” He further added, “All Viacom18 channels in India are doing extremely well and we’re confident that Comedy Central too will carve out its own space within no time.”

Excited about the launch of ‘Comedy Central’, Ferzad Palia, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, English Entertainment, Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. said, “India has never been more ready for a dedicated English comedy offering. We are delighted to add Comedy Central, the world’s biggest comedy channel to our existing portfolio of Viacom18 brands. The service will deliver clever and disruptive content to our viewers; titles that have been handpicked from across the globe, especially for India. At Comedy Central India, we believe that everything in life can be looked at in a lighter vein. Hence, our philosophy –Laugh It Off – which will be brought to the fore in everything we do as a brand.”

A massive through-the-line marketing plan with innovations across TV, Print, Outdoor, Radio, Below the Line and Digital will be unveiled shortly. The plan will also involve strategic partnerships with lifestyle touch points the target audience frequents like coffee chains, theatres, clubs, gyms, salons, shopping destinations & other hangouts. The brand will extend itself beyond television into LIVE events, merchandising & availability on mobile platforms. Comedy Central will be available in approximately 20 million households across the country at launch and it will be available across analog, digital cable & DTH.

Since late 2006, Comedy Central has expanded globally with localized channels in Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Ireland, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Israel and Spain. Comedy Central, the world’s biggest comedy channel is now in India with the world’s best comedy shows.