Zee to launch new channel for French audiences in Africa

Mumbai: Leading media and entertainment firm Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) will launch a new television channel, Zee Magic, for French audiences in Africa.

"Zee Magic is a completely customised general entertainment channel for French audiences in Africa, showcasing French dubbed Indian movies, series, food and reality shows," the company said in a statement today.

The channel will be available on the Canal Plus Overseas platform from October 1.

"Our corporate philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' meaning 'The world is my family' is at the forefront of bringing authentic and entertaining content to our fast growing audiences across the globe," Essel Group and ZEEL Chairman Subhash Chandra said.

The move comes after ZEEL launched Zee World, an English language general entertainment channel, showcasing the best of Indian content for viewers in Sub-Saharan Africa early this year.

With over 36 international channels across 169 countries, ZEEL first ventured into Africa 19 years ago as the brand's first international territory.

Its flagship channel ZEE TV has been present on DSTV since 1996 and Canal Plus since 2006.

"Zee Magic is a dedicated French offering from ZEE for Francophone Africa. All content has undergone extensive research and we are very excited to be the first to offer Bollywood in French to our viewers," CEO Africas Harish Goyal said.

Zee Magic will be launched with three award winning series -- Remarriage, La Promesse, Lien Sacre and blockbuster Bollywood movies.