DirecTV Extends Indian Programming Pact
Signs Multiyear Deal For Four Networks Available Through WorldDirect Platform
By Multi Channel News Staff -- Multichannel News, 9/24/2008 7:02:00 AM
DirecTV and Star have signed a multiyear contract extension for four Indian services.
The pact, terms of which were not disclosed, calls for continuing distribution of Star India Plus, Star I One, Star India News and Vijay on the nation’s largest satellite distributor, the original U.S. home for the services that debuted here in November 2004.
The networks are available through DirecTV’s HindiDirect and HindiDirect II programming packages, which are part of the carrier’s WorldDirect platform that is tailored toward Hindi speaking audiences within the United States.
"Since their launch in 2004, Star's leading Indian channels have become household names among DirecTV’s South Asian subscribers," said David Wisnia, Star's senior vice president for distribution and sales and head of Star's North American and European offices, in a statement. “We are excited to extend our relationship with our partners at DirecTV and are confident that viewers will continue to be captivated by the top rated comedies, drama series, reality shows and news programs that these top rated channels showcase on a daily basis.”
Added John de Armas, vice president of WorldDirect: "DirecTV is the premier destination for the most current South Asian programming available in the U.S. By extending our relationship with Star, India's leading programmer, we are enabling the U.S. Indian community to continue to view the best entertainment, sports, news and events programming from their home country.”
WorldDirect customers must first subscribe to DirecTV basic ($9.99 per month) or any DirecTV base programming package ($29.99 per month or above) before they can purchase the ethnic offering.
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