STAR INDIA ACQUIRES FAMOUS "SCREEN" THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FROM THE INDIAN EXPRESS GROUP- SCREEN AWARDS ONE OF THE REPUTED EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MAGAZINE

STAR INDIA ACQUIRES FAMOUS “SCREEN” THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FROM THE INDIAN EXPRESS GROUP- SCREEN AWARDS ONE OF THE REPUTED EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MAGAZINE

Mumbai : Broadcast network STAR INDIA has acquired Indian Express’ weekly publication on Bollywood Screen.The next issue of the weekly magazine which was started in 1951, will be the last print edition of the publication.Under Star India, Screen will be available in its digital avatar with audio and video content adding to the textual content.

The acquisition will integrate the Screen awardsproperty with Star, besides adding a consumer brand to the network’s digital business.

As part of the transaction, Star will get exclusive ownership of the “Screen” brand franchise including all archival material and transfer of key employees.

“The Screen acquisition will yield huge benefits for Star India and for hotstar our digital platform,” said Uday Shankar, CEO of Star India. “We couldn’t be more excited.”

Star has built one of India’s largest media and entertainment organizations reaching over 700 Million viewers in India and across the globe every week through nearly 40 channels broadcast in 7 languages.

Star has scaled its multi-screen presence with hotstar emerging as the most preferred destination for sports and entertainment online.

 

“Screen is a strong and reputable franchise and gives us access to the entertainment editorial suite and the tinsel world, where news that shapes trends is made by film stars, directors and producers,” Shankar said, adding “The acquisition of Screen will allow us to strengthen and expand the content brand online while taking the awards platform to the next level. There are strong synergies and the combination of the quality content and awards franchise with Star’s presence across television and digital platforms is strategic and scalable.”

 

Star India, COO Sanjay Gupta adds, “The hotstar app has been well received at its launch. Having Bollywood and film related content will give it an acceleration to reach tge next level. Also, while Screen as a brand commands credibility, print is grappling with the problem of reach. Under Star, the content from Screen will get a much wider reach.”

 

According to Gupta, research by the team at Star showed that maximum time is spent consuming Bollywood content online. It exceeds sports and news and even GEC content.“We are delighted to enter into a transaction with Star India. Screen is one of the most reputed film and entertainment properties in the country. We have built this business with lot of passion and are confident that Star will nurture it and take it to greater heights” said Viveck Goenka, Chairman and Managing Director the Indian Express Group.Speaking on the transaction George Varghese, CEO Indian Express said “Screen is one of our leading properties on the entertainment side of the business. Our decision was driven by our belief in Star’s focus to grow this business, which we believe would translate into adding value for all stakeholders including employees.”

 

Courtesy: Agencies