ATN launches 'AAPKA COLORS' in Canada

TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2011 /CNW/ - Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd, an equal joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and Network18, one of India's leading entertainment conglomerates, today announced the launch of its flagship channel, AAPKA COLORS in Canada. The channel will be distributed through Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN) (TSX-SAT), Canada's largest South Asian Broadcaster on Rogers Cable in Ontario and on recently launched Bell Fibe TV in Toronto & Montreal.

Starting immediately, ATN subscribers can tune in to AAPKA COLORS (Channel 690 on Rogers and Channel 790 on Bell Fibe TV), which is among the top two Hindi general entertainment channels in India. Viewers can look forward to captivating drama series, blockbuster Bollywood films, star-studded variety programs and nail-biting reality shows on one of the most-watched channels from India, filled with the best and latest in Hindi entertainment.

Moreover, subscribers will now be able to enjoy popular shows like the long-running drama Balika Vadhu, Sasural Simar Ka, Phulwa, Uttaran& Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi amongst others at the same time as viewers in India.

Dr. Shan Chandrasekar, President and CEO, ATN said "We are delighted to have Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd as a programming partner, and to share this outstanding channel AAPKA COLORS, with its compelling content across Canada."

Gaurav Gandhi, Head - Distribution & International Business- Viacom18 & COO Sun18, said: "We are delighted with the launch of Aapka Colors in Canada on the 2 leading platforms - Rogers and Bell Fibe TV, and fulfilling the demands of the South Asian diaspora with our very distinct and popular content offering.

With this launch in Canada, Colors is now available in close to 50 countries globally. We look forward to working with our partners ATN to launch the channel on the other Canadian platforms as well and are confident that this partnership will help Aapka Colors reach the same iconic level as it has in the Indian market "

After successful launches in the US, the UK, Australia -New Zealand and Middle-East AAPKA COLORS now aims to entertain the widespread South Asian community residing in Canada with its popular fiction series, reality shows and blockbuster Bollywood films.

About Asian Television Network (ATN):

ATN (TSX-SAT) serves Canada's Asian community with 34 premium specialty television channels. ATN offers its flagship general interest service, several Bollywood movie channels with 800 movies a month, sports channels, news channels, music channels, a lifestyle channel, spiritual channel and several Regional Language channels. ATN is Canada's largest distributor of World Class Cricket. ATN operates the only South Asian Radio Service 24 hours a day on XM across The United States and Canada. ATN is also the first and only broadcaster in Canada to deliver South Asian Content on Bell Mobility. ATN along with CTV and Rogers Media was a Broadcast Partner for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. ATN created history by delivering more than 100 hours of live coverage in six languages on seven channels across Canada. ATN has programming alliances with leading international broadcasters. To subscribe to ATN and for more details about our services and programming schedules please visit www.asiantelevision.com.

About Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd

Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is a 50/50 joint venture operation in India between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B, world's leading entertainment content company, comprising brands like BET, MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures) (www.viacom.com) and the Network18 (www.network18online.com) Group, (one of India's leading full play media conglomerates with interests in television, internet, filmed entertainment, mobile content & allied businesses, comprising brands like CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz, Newswire18, moneycontrol.com, CNN-IBN, IBN 7, Homeshop18, SUN18 and E18 amongst others). The joint venture includes leading brands across television, film and digital media to build one of India's leading multimedia entertainment power house. Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. includes the vibrant youth brand - MTV (www.mtvindia.com), the fastest growing kids channel - Nick (www.nickindia.com), India's premier International Entertainment channel - Vh1, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, India's only linear film production & distribution banner, and COLORS, (www.colorstv.in) one of India's leading Hindi General Entertainment channel. This apart, Viacom18 also runs Viacom's consumer products business in India.