| MUMBAI:
Newly launched Hindi general entertainment channel NDTV Imagine has struck a syndication
deal with UTV Software Communications for telecast of its flagship show Ramayan
in the Sun TV network of channels.
UTV has paid a minimum guarantee (MG) for the rights and is showing the dubbed
version of the mythological series on Sun TV (Tamil), Gemini TV (Telugu) and Surya
TV (Malayalam). Udaya TV, Sun's Kannada channel, can't air it as Karnataka state
does not permit dubbed content on television. Says
UTV Television COO Ajit Thakur, “TV channels have started experimenting with
the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of their content. Three parties are involved
in this syndication deal. UTV has taken the rights of Ramayan, paying a
MG. NDTV Imagine will get its share of revenue, while Sun TV Ltd will get a successful
show like Ramayan without investing in the huge production cost.”
As part of
the deal, NDTV Imagine will also get a revenue share from UTV after the earnings
reach a particular level. UTV
has paid a telecast fee to Sun for acquiring the prime time slot on the network
channels. It will have the rights to sell air time. | 
