Subhash Chandra-backed Indian TV giant ZEE is to export its ZEE5 OTT platform internationally, starting next year, according to Zeel International’s CEO Amit Goenka.
The plan is to compete head-to-head with OTT offerings from Netflix, and Star TV’s Hotstar service.
Goenka says that Zee Entertainment will be investing in 90 original programmes next year, which will be added to its library of 3500 movies.
Initially the platform will move into some key Asian markets, and then has the UK and US in its sights where there are large Indian expatriate communities. ZEE’s general entertainment channels are already available internationally.
“In the coming year, we plan to further increase the reach of our existing channels through distribution and creation of localised content. On the distribution side, we are developing strategies for each market to ensure maximum reach of our content. On the content front, we are increasing our local programming for the Indian audience in select markets, which will be on an ad-funded model. We also plan to ramp up our programming initiatives for the native audience in select markets. In FY19, we will continue to further enhance our local programming initiatives in markets like USA and UK,” said Goenka.
ZEE5 will have acquired material from Turkey, Pakistan, Spain, China and Korea. Additionally, around 200+ English-language movies and shows will be available.