New Delhi – Real Global Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. (RGB), a 50:50 joint venture between Alva Brothers Entertainment and Turner International, is to launch new Hindi entertainment television channel Real. Channel will go on air in March 2009 and is described as “tailor-made for the ‘Neo Indians’, who are urban oriented, ambitious and outward looking.” Real enters a GE (general entertainment) environment in India that, although popular with audiences, is already well-served and fiercely competitive. Four of Real’s shows have been unveiled: Billed as India’s biggest reality show, Sarkaar Ki Duniya sees 18 Indians meet on a remote island, tasked to transform the island, living under the scrutiny of an autocratic ruler. Unusual stories unfold in the unique setting of a taxi, with taxi driver Vicky playing the role of a reluctant messiah, in Vicky Ki Taxi. Hindi Hai Hum, is a drama which brings to the forefront the underlying spirit of unity amongst India’s young. And the internationally successful quiz-game show, Poker Face, sees contestants compete for Rs. One Crore in just One week, by keeping a poker face. Real is a digitally encrypted pay channel and will be distributed through the Zee Turner bouquet. It will be available across the country on cable systems and digital platforms. The channel can be down linked from IntelSat – 10 (68.5 degree East). Real marks Turner International‘s, part of the Time Warner Company, entry into the Hindi entertainment space in India. Said Steve Marcopoto, president, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc., “Given the market’s strong growth, extremely young population, penchant for media consumption and improving distribution delivery systems, India is one of our biggest growth opportunities. Having established many successful Turner brands and ventures in the last 18 years, including our production partnership with Miditech, we’re now excited to take our next step with Alva Brothers Entertainment with the launch of REAL.” The Indian cable television story continues to be a growth story, with over 83 million cable and satellite homes and with over a third to yet acquire a cable and satellite connection and yet another third to own a TV set. TV penetration has grown by over 19 per cent and digital homes more than doubled. The GEC category, which accounts for 35 per cent of the total TV viewership, grew by over 9 per cent or over 200 GRPS, (2008/ 2007), fuelled by new entrants.