India's Hotstar agrees content deal with CBS to keep up with rival Amazon
Hotstar, India's homegrown streaming platform, and CBS Corporation have agreed to a content licensing and trademark partnership for Showtime in India where it will stream Emmy and Golden Globe winning programming.
Hotstar agrees a deal with CBS to keep up with rival Amazon
Hotstar is keeping up with its rival Amazon, which recently signed a new deal with Warner Bros to stream high-quality films and first-rate television series.
Mary Meeker's 2017 report showcased India as an emerging Internet superpower, even though only 27% of the country’s population has access to internet right now and this has given a massive boost to over the top (OTT) players like Hotstar.
Ajit Mohan, CEO, Hotstar, said: “ The deal with CBS is in line with our strategy of bringing the best of new shows and movies from around the world to our Premium subscribers. Today, SHOWTIME joins an exciting slate on Hotstar. It is clear that we are building Hotstar Premium as the most compelling subscription service that will showcase the best storytellers from around the world.”
CBS Corporation previous Showtime deals are with FOX Networks Group in Asia, Canal+ Group in France, along with Sky UK, Germany and Italy, Bell Canada, Stan Australia, Movistar Spain and other output partners around the world.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hotstar to bring critically-acclaimed programming from Showtime to Indian audiences,” said Armando Nuñez, president and CEO, CBS Studios International. “Thanks to this agreement and other partnerships with top platforms around the world, the footprint of the Showtime brand and programming continues to expand in the global marketplace.”