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EXCLUSIVE: Colors to replace 9XM on Sky

Colors’ is a step closer to its UK launch as BizAsia.co.uk can exclusively confirm that it has acquired the Sky Digital EPG slot from the soon to cease, 9XM.

The much awaited launch could take place as soon as next month as Colors will takeover 9XM on Sky EPG 829 when it discontinues broadcasting later this or early next month.

Arun Mohan, Group Director – Distribution, INX Media, exclusively confirmed the latest developments to BizAsia.co.uk. “Yes, we have sold our EPG slot to Colors. We will discontinue broadcasting our channel when all formalities pertaining to the sale are complete. It should not take very long.”

He further added that it was trying to close all issues concerning 9XM UK by the end of this month. Also he confirmed that Colors had only bought the Sky Digital EPG slot. INX Media will surrender the Freesat slot and return it back to the platform.

9XM will remain on-air until Colors has finalised the fine details with INX Media, as well as its UK distribution partner. As BizAsia.co.uk has been reporting, Colors’ is in discussions with both Multi Screen Media’s VIEWASIA package, which currently consists of seven channels, also ZEE Network, which in comparison only hails three channels (Zing is free-to-air).

Colors is India’s number one channel and so the market interest from VIEWASIA and ZEE Network does not at all come surprising. In India, Multi Screen Media distributes Colors as a part of its One Alliance network, which is what Multi Screen Media UK is hoping for here too. However, ZEE Network UK wants to spruce up its own package to entice new subscribers, so it remains to be seen who will win the race for Colors UK.

It is currently unknown if Colors will begin broadcasting straight after 9XM ceases in the UK or whether it will wait a few weeks for a simultaneous international launch with USA in February. One thing is for sure, Colors’ test transmission and a taster of what the channel has in store will commence in the coming days.

Keep it with BizAsia.co.uk for more.