Turner to close down Imagine TV


Insearchindia.com Team

(12 April 2012 12:15 pm)


MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has decided to shut down its Hindi general entertainment channel Imagine TV.

Turner found it unviable to compete in the cash-guzzling Hindi GEC space where its channel was consistently on the bottom part of the ratings ladder.

Turner International managing director- South Asia Siddharth Jain said, “Imagine TV has not performed and grown as per expectations. While some programmes delivered satisfactory ratings, overall the channel was unable to achieve the ratings consistency needed to sustain the business and support continued investment. As a result, Turner made the carefully considered decision to cease operations of the channel."

He added that Turner will try to make this as smooth a transition as possible for the employees.

Imagine TV was launched as NDTV Imagine in January 2008. Later, in December 2009, Turner Asia Pacific Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System, acquired 92 per cent stake in NDTV Imagine. Turner later renamed the channel as Imagine TV following its complete acquisition in February 2010.

Jain added that the company remains committed to future investments and long-term participation in India. He also stressed that the company will continue to explore expansion opportunities in the Indian media and entertainment industry.

Turner operates HBO, CNN, Cartoon Network, Pogo, Warner Bros, Turner Classic Movies and Boomerang in India.