Well, this certainly isn’t a surprise, and more of an official confirmation of something that was reported over a month ago: Reuters (NSDQ: RTRSY) reports that Disney (NYSE: DIS) owned ABC News has struck a content deal with UTVi, the business channel from UTV promoter Ronnie Screwvala. The Hindu adds that the content deal is for more than five years. Also, UTV Software will pick up 20 percent in UTVi, which gives Disney an effective 6.42 percent stake in UTVi by virtue of their 32.1 percent stake in UTV Software. We’d covered the implications of the hiving off of UTVi here. There was a mention then of a Reuters partnership, but no confirmation of that yet. But there is that often heard UTV statement: “UTVi will deliver content through television, web and mobile.” TV-Web-Mobile is the tagline for UTVs youth channel Bindass, but they’ve hardly done anything of note in those domains.

Indiantelevision.com has details on some of the shows - an auto show with the Autocar India team and a career show with JAM Mag editor Rashmi Bansal. Also, UTVi will launch by end of April, and has an investment plan of Rs. 1.2 bilion. More here.

I wonder what’ll happen to other co’s who are scouting around for partners - there’s Reuters which had terminated its deal with Times Now, CBS (NYSE: CBS) News and the BBC. So you think there’s scope for starting more news channels? Well, with the proliferation of news channels, here’s what’s happening to the quality of news:

(Translated: BREAKING NEWS - Commissioners Dog Found). Image from Prashant Singh)

• — UTV Hives Off News Business; Deal Expected With ABC
• — Disney Ups Stake In UTV To 32.1 Pc For $200M; Open Offer For 20 Pc