RTL has unveiled an alliance with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Broadcast Network as the pan-European broadcaster dips its toe into Asia at a time when growth in its core markets is flagging.

The European group, which said in March that it was looking to secure a deal with a local partner in India, said the two had agreed to form a new joint venture company that would initially produce two English language channels.

One would be a reality channel, the other an action channel. It would aim to launch other thematic channels in India over time. The move will help Reliance Broadcast, which already has a joint venture with CBS Studios operating three English language channels, expand its portfolio of international content and compete with Rupert Murdoch’s Star India and Zee Entertainment.