Following its joint venture with US broadcaster CBS, India’s Reliance Broadcast Networks (RBN) is planning a similar deal with Bertelsmann-owned RTL Group to launch a bouquet of channels.

The two partners plan to initially launch two English-language channels – one based around reality shows and the other around action. They will also consider Hindi and other Indian-language general entertainment channels (GECs) later in the relationship.

The two companies have signed a preliminary, non-binding term sheet. The joint venture will also give RBN access to content from RTL’s content production arm FremantleMedia.

RBN current operates three channels through its joint venture with CBS – general entertainment channel BIG CBS Prime; an entertainment channel aimed at couples BIG CBS Love, and youth channel BIG CBS Spark.

BIG CBS Prime screens movies at the weekends.

Luxembourg-based RTL Group has 40 television channels and 33 radio stations in ten countries across Europe.

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