India’s QYOU Media offloads linear channel Q TV as it pivots to digital-first future

BakLOL features YouTubers Pankaj and Sweety

QYOU Media in India has confirmed the completion of the sale of its free-to-air broadcast channel Q TV to Indian channels operator Oscar Media.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal is part of QYOU’s strategic shift away from linear television towards a model focused on the creator economy and social media marketing.

Future expansion will be driven by concentrating on high-growth segments within this digital-first space, via QYOU’s operations in both the US and India.

The company is now set to move ahead with publicly listing Chatterbox Technologies (Chtrbox) its India-based influencer marketing and creator economy driven business, on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

General entertainment channel Q TV, meanwhile, has been pushing into airing creator-led content in recent years, with series such as BakLOL, featuring YouTubers Pankaj and Sweety.

Curt Mavis, CEO and co-founder, QYOU Media, said: “Parting ways with the television business that helped launch us in India is bittersweet, but this transition empowers us to concentrate fully on the future – driven by the explosive growth in social media, AI and creator-led marketing.

“We believe this pivot will unlock greater long-term value for our shareholders. The television business has been marked by huge upheaval globally and it was simply time for us to move decisively into the areas of our business where we see the strongest positive growth opportunities for many years to come.

“We wish Oscar Media the best of luck with the channel and we thank all the people who helped build it with us along the way.”