“AI‑Powered” GTC Punjabi aims to redefine Punjabi television in Britain
New Punjabi broadcaster, GTC Punjabi, is entering the UK television landscape with a clear dual focus: bringing premium live sport to Punjabi-speaking audiences and introducing AI‑driven production to British broadcasting.
Its launch is marked by the announcement that it will televise the full season of Legends League Cricket from 2nd to 25th March, featuring internationally recognised players such as Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan. What distinguishes this coverage is that, for the first time on a private Punjabi satellite channel in the UK, the matches will include full Punjabi commentary. For diaspora communities in places like Southall and Smethwick, this offers a form of linguistic and cultural proximity rarely seen in mainstream sports broadcasting and signals the channel’s intention to prioritise Punjabi-speaking viewers rather than treating them as a secondary audience.
Alongside its sports offering, GTC Punjabi is positioning technology as an essential pillar of its identity. The channel has built its promotional workflow around artificial intelligence, using AI tools to generate promos, idents and graphic packaging while automating scheduling, transitions and other on‑air processes. This reflects a structural commitment rather than surface‑level experimentation, allowing the channel to operate with the speed and efficiency typically associated with larger networks in the UK. By integrating AI at a foundational level, GTC Punjabi aims to reduce operational overheads while sustaining high production values.
In its studio output, the channel will rely on virtual production powered by Zero Density, a platform known for advanced VR, AR and XR broadcast environments. This technology enables the creation of dynamic virtual sets, immersive backgrounds and flexible studio layouts without the need for extensive physical builds. For viewers, the result is a contemporary aesthetic that enhances credibility, particularly among younger audiences who expect modern visual standards across platforms.
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Behind the project is Rabindra Narayan, Founder and Managing Director of GTC Network. Narayan is widely regarded as the “Father of Punjabi satellite television”, having founded and led channels such as Punjabi World, ETC Punjabi and PTC Network before launching GTC.
His line, “GTC Network has been created for Future using Legacy,” is more than branding. It reflects a career arc that runs from early satellite uplinks to AI-driven packaging.
The introduction of GTC Punjabi into the UK market marks a shift in what Punjabi television on Sky can represent. Historically dominated by general entertainment channels, the market will now see the addition of live cricket with Punjabi commentary, AI-supported production systems, virtual studio environments and a distinctly UK‑rooted editorial perspective. The coming weeks will demonstrate how audiences respond to this combination of sport, technology and cultural identity, but the intent is unmistakable: GTC Punjabi aims not to replicate existing models but to redefine what Punjabi broadcasting in Britain can look and sound like in 2026.
