Star India Channels Expand To East Africa Via Zuku

NEW DELHI – News Corp.'s Star India network has pacted with Kenya-based Wananchi Group's multiple distribution platform Zuku to offer four channels targetting the South Asian diaspora in East Africa.

Zuku's one-year agreement with Star India includes cable and direct-to-home (DTH) distribution for four channels including Hindi entertainment outlets Star Plus, Star One along with Bollywood movie channel Star Gold and Star News. The Star channels will first bow in Kenya expanding later this year to Uganda, Tanzania and other territories under Wananchi's footprint.

The channels will be broadcasting content shown in India on the same day and time.

“There is a large population of East Africans of Indian descent whose entertainment requirements encompass both Hollywood and Bollywood,” said Wananchi Programming MD Hannelie Bekker. “The agreement with Star marks a move into Bollywood programming for Wananchi.”
 
“This industry defining move makes Star the first Indian broadcaster to enable global viewers watch subtitled content, same day, globally,” added Star country head, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan Sumantra Dutta. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Zuku to bring subscribers even more TV choice from our world leading bouquet of South Asian channels.”