Adlabs to foray into tv content

Coutesy: IndiaFM
Monday, September 11, 2006

Just yesterday we informed you that Reliance ADA Group is soon to launch its radio station, Big FM. And today there is news that the company will also foray into television. Adlabs Films Limited, a part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani led Reliance group, will acquire a majority stake in Synergy Communications, a premier television content company headed by Siddharth Basu that has produced popular program Kaun Banega Crorepati among host of other interactive shows. The move marks first serious foray of Adlabs in television business.

Synergy Communications, headed by Siddharth Basu, a leading personality in the television and content space for several years, has done over 30 televised series and has produced over 2000 hours. The company produced several popular shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, India_s Child Genius, University Challenge, Mastermind India, Kamzor Kadi Kaun, Jaane Kya Tune Kahi and Aao Guess Karen. In addition they have done Live shows (Channel V Awards 97-98) and have successfully published the Mastermind series.

Currently they have three shows on air; Bluff Master, unique game show on Star One, Mum Tum Aur Hum, another unique game show featuring a mother and child on Star Plus and Heartbeat. Jhalak Dhikla Ja, an adaptation of 'Dancing with Stars' a BBC format, started on Sony yesterday.

Mr. Manmohan Shetty, Chairman and Managing Director, Adlabs Films Ltd, said. "We are very excited with the beginning of the association with Synergy. The quality of content that they have created consistently over a period of time is truly of international standards. We believe in Siddharth Basu's vision and approach and he would continue to manage the company. While Adlabs is acquiring 51% controlling stake in Synergy Communications, operational control will remain with the original promoters of Synergy, who will continue to manage the day to day business affairs of the company and will also chart future expansion and growth plans in view of synergies arising out of this association. He would be one of the prominent representatives of Adlabs in television content business.

This is our first serious foray into television and it signifies that Adlabs will stand for quality content in the business. By March 2008 we want television content business to be one of the important divisions at Adlabs and contributing sizeable amount of revenues to the overall pie", Adds Mr. Shetty.

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