Real Global Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. (RGB), a 50:50 joint venture between Alva Brothers Entertainment and Turner International, unveiled REAL, its distinctive new Hindi entertainment television channel. The channel will go on air in March this year.

REAL is a smart, fresh and distinctive entertainment channel that has been tailor-made for the ‘Neo Indians’, who are urban-oriented, ambitious and outward-looking. REAL offers an interactive entertainment experience that is positive, fun and joyful.

Nikhil Alva, Chairman, Alva Brothers Entertainment, said: “Our long, insightful experience and success in developing content for the Indian viewer provides us an ideal springboard to embark on this venture. Along with Turner, which brings to REAL the global best practices in broadcast businesses, we are building a platform for distinctive brands and contemporary content. Together we hope to provide a distinct GEC channel, which will be dramatically differentiated, yet relevant and aimed at Indian viewers.”

Having established many successful brands in India in the last 18 years, REAL marks Turner International’s entry into the Hindi entertainment space in India.

Steve Marcopoto, President, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc., said: “Turner International is very excited about REAL and Turner’s entry into the Hindi GEC genre. Given the market’s strong growth, extremely young population, penchant for media consumption and improving distribution delivery systems, India is one of our biggest growth opportunities. Having established many successful Turner brands and ventures, including our production partnership with Miditech, we’re now excited to take our next step with Alva Brothers Entertainment with the launch of REAL.”

Niret Alva, Co-Promoter and Director, Alva Brothers Entertainment, said: “REAL’s differentiation is based on its approach to the manner in which it draws on ‘REAL People’ and ‘REAL Stories’ to create ‘REAL Entertainment’.”

Anshuman Misra, Managing Director, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd, said: “Turner International has a history of making smart, successful collaborations that enhance the viewing experience of our discerning Indian audiences and is confident that REAL will deliver quality programming to Indian audiences. Turner’s proven understanding and experience in television broadcasting in India will add value to the partnership.”

The Indian cable television story continues to be a growth story and a big opportunity with over 83 million cable and satellite homes. With over a third of the population yet to acquire a cable and satellite connection and another third yet to own a TV set, TV penetration has grown by over 19 per cent and digital homes has more than doubled.

Sunil Lulla, Director, RGB, said: “REAL’s focus on the ‘Neo-Indians’ enables it to offer fresh choice to Indian viewers with programming that is a dynamic blend of reality and fiction. Its clean, vibrant packaging and uncluttered presentation is a reflection of its international quality. REAL’s circular green logo depicts friendliness and approachability. It’s the beginning of a New Year and it will begin with India’s biggest reality show ever, only on REAL.”

Four of the shows announced are a vivid demonstration of the freshness offered by REAL.

In ‘Sarkaar Ki Duniya’, 18 Indians meet on a remote island and are tasked to transform the island, while living under the scrutiny of an autocratic ruler. Each of them has to earn a livelihood under new rules. With a mega show format designed in India, ‘Sarkaar Ki Duniya’ is India’s biggest reality show.

Unusual stories unfold in the unique setting of a taxi, with taxi driver Vicky playing the role of a reluctant messiah in ‘Vicky Ki Taxi’.

‘Hindi Hai Hum’ is a compelling drama that brings to the forefront the underlying spirit of unity amongst India’s young.

Viewers can also enjoy the internationally successful quiz game show, ‘Poker Face’, in which one Indian will take away Rs. One Crore in just one week for keeping a Poker Face.

REAL is a digitally encrypted pay channel and will be distributed through the Zee Turner bouquet. It will be available across the country on cable systems and digital platforms. The channel can be down-linked from IntelSat – 10 (68.5 degree East).