By Jörn Krieger

Bollywood and Indian entertainment channel Zee One has launched on streaming platform Rakuten TV in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“I am thrilled and excited for the commencement of this new partnership, one that I have been eagerly anticipating. The launch of Zee One on Rakuten TV signifies our strategic targeting of the German audience that will not only elevate our channel but also contribute to Rakuten TV’s expanding viewer base,” said Chief Business Officer, International Business, at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ashok Namboodiri.

“I am glad that Zee One will now expand its reach to audiences on Rakuten TV,” added President, Content and International Markets, at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Punit Misra. “Beyond bridging nations, this endeavour will facilitate cross-cultural understanding, as we bring to people the rich cultural heritage of India through content which will be in the language of the people on this platform.”

The launch on Rakuten TV follows Zee One’s return as a FAST Channel in September 2023 on Samsung TV Plus, marking Zee Entertainment’s second attempt to establish a Bollywood channel in the German-speaking market.

In 2020, Zee One closed down a classic advertising-supported free-TV channel, available via cable, satellite, IPTV and OTT platforms, citing “unresolvable challenges and increasing losses”. The channel launched in 2016.

Zee One can be accessed on the Rakuten TV app, pre-installed on many smart TV sets and available for download on mobile devices, as well as directly on the web at www.rakuten.tv/de. The channel can be found in the Entertainment section of the Live TV offering.)