B4U (network)

Infobox Network
network_name = B4U
network_
country = flagicon|United Kingdom UK flagicon|India India
network_type = Television
available = National International
owner =
key_people = Lakshmi Mittal, Kishore Lulla, Gokul Binani
launch_date = 1999/2000
founder = Lakshmi Mittal, Kishore Lulla, Gokul Binani
motto =
past_names =
website = http://www.b4utv.com

B4U is one of the world's leading Bollywood television networks that was formed and jointly owned by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, movie producer Kishore Lulla and London-based industrialist Gokul Binani. The network operates the two channels B4U Music and B4U Movies, which are at present available on more than 8 different satellites, in more than 100 countries including the USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Mauritius, Canada and India. [ [http://www.b4utv.com/subs/about.shtml B4U - Bollywood charms, global audience] ]

Company History

In 1999 the newly-formed network launched B4U Movies and B4U Music in the UK on the Sky Digital platform as a subscription package along with Sony Entertainment Television. [ [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-55805588.html Screen Digest - UK's Asian channels fight for market share] ] The launch was surrounded in controversy, with rival network Zee TV claiming that B4U had stolen its database of subscribers in the UK. The B4U management claimed that they had got hold of the database from ex-employees and has been using it to send mailers promoting its service. [ [http://www.indiantelevision.com/newsletter/150999/zee15999.htm The Indian CAB&SAT Reporter - ZEE TO LAUNCH TV WORLD] ] The network went on to launch the channels in the USA, Canada and the Middle East by the end of the year.

By 2000 B4U had established itself as a leading brand in Bollywood entertainment for the Indian Diaspora. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2000/may/22/mondaymediasection.raceintheuk Guardian.co.uk - Tigers in a prize fight] ] As well as expanding into Europe, Africa and Asia, The network debuted in India to popular acclaim. B4U brand awareness increased after the company signed a deal with FTV to broadcast Indian fashion shows throughout the world. The network also became involved in local level promotions like showing Indian fashion shows in theatres, promoting new faces and organising fashion shows and contests throughout India and the world. [ [http://www.indiantelevision.com/newsletter/170400/b4u170400.htm The Indian CAB&SAT Reporter - B4U TIES UP WITH FTV, TO LAUNCH MUSIC CHANNEL IN INDIA & SOUTHERN CHANNEL OVERSEAS] ] The Network gained further international attention and acclaim after winning 8 Promax Awards in 2001. [ [http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k1/dec/dec22.htm Indiantelevision.com - B4U strikes gold-n-silver at PROMAX & BDA Asia 2001 Awards] ] By this time the B4U company was a main rival to Zee TV and Sony in the Indian broadcasting market. The network then ventured into movie production in 2002, co-producing all films produced by iDream. [ [http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k2/aug/aug165.htm indiantelevision.com - B4U ties up with iDream; to be co-producer in all its films] ] In addition the B4U network started to produce much more local content for the various local versions of its channels.

B4U Today

The network has a strong presence in Indian culture and is one of the 'Big Three' Indian television networks to operate world-wide. The B4U brand is now well known over the world, with the network staging many high profile events such as the Times of India new talent searches, and the Mayor of London's annual Diwali Festival in Trafalgar Square. [ [http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k7/oct/oct257.php Indiantelevision.com - B4U Network to celebrate Diwali in London] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.b4utv.com/index.shtml B4U official site]
* [http://www.b4u.com B4U group site]