• by David Goetzl , May 4, 2010

Scripps Networks' proposed good times in India have gone sour. The programmer had a $55 million deal for a joint venture in the growing market, but said Tuesday it had fallen apart.

As part of the agreement, Scripps was to program a lifestyle-oriented network with a "Good Times" moniker -- while taking a 69% stake in a venture with local broadcaster NDTV Group. The agreement was announced in November and was to have closed by March 31.

But Scripps said talks ended -- a setback in its plans for aggressive international expansion -- citing only an inability to come to terms on "specifics."

Scripps, which controls Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, was to acquire the majority stake in NDTV's "Lifestyle" unit for the $55 million. NDTV was to maintain 31%.

Scripps also has inked agreements giving it an entrée into the United Kingdom, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Shares of Scripps Networks fell 60 cents to $45.89 in morning trading.