Confusion over Sikh religious channel launch

A new Sikh religious TV channel has launched on the Sky EPG platform today but not the one that was expected.

Taking many by surprise, Sangat TV has replaced JML Lifestyle on Sky Digital EPG channel 661 today. Channel officials had kept tightlipped about the launch of this channel due to the feisty competition amongst rivals in this genre.

Sangat TV will be testing between now and Friday 1st October. During this phase it will broadcast prayers for the first two weeks. The channel is temporarily available on 661 but will move to Sky EPG 847 in the coming days, subject to Sky’s approval.

Ranbir Singh Attwal, Trustee commented, “Media must be used positively to project values through educational programmes that Sikh children and young people enjoy. Our channel aims to also reach out to the wider people of Britain so they understand our Dharam better.”

Sangat TV is being backed by a UK Charity called Sangat Trust.

While Sangat TV has made its launch on the Sky platform, it has left rival broadcaster Sikh TV to postpone its launch by a few days. According to industry buzz, the initial plan was for the two channels to work together but due to internal politics, the two went their separate ways.

Sikh TV has confirmed to BizAsia.co.uk that it has already acquired another EPG from an existing broadcaster and a scroll is running on that channel about the new launch. It refused to announce the EPG number that it has bought. Sikh TV will commence testing this week and will be launched officially on the Sky platform later this month.

Sangat TV and Sikh TV will join Sikh Channel as the latest channels targeting the Sikh religion audience.