EXCLUSIVE: KBC launch details emerge

Details of the soon to launch Kashmiri KBC channel have been released exclusively to BizAsia.co.uk.

KBC, which stands for Kashmir Broadcasting Corporation is being launched by the Afsar Group from Birmingham. KBC has confirmed it has proposed to launch on Sky Digital on Monday 18th August, with live transmissions expected to start on Sunday 24th August.

A spokesman from KBC exclusively gave us an insight into the channel, “KBC is established by a veteran and resourceful British Kashmiri businessman with mature insight and track record of business development and management. It is here to take the broadcasting business to the next level. The core languages of KBC programming include English, Pahari, Pothowari, Hindku, Kashiri, Dogari, Punjabi and Urdu. However, there will be programmes in other languages of Kashmir and South Asia in general. Joined hands by experienced staff and visionary programming team of the Aapna Channel; KBC is now ready to bring back the channel to your television screens with a big bang.”

Primarily KBC is being positioned as a lifestyle, information and entertainment channel. Shows will consist of live interactive discussions and chat shows along with pre-recorded soaps, sitcoms, music, spiritual programmes and sports coverage.

Some shows, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks include ‘Aapni Bettak’, ‘Rachiyal Report’, ‘Aapna Britain, Young Sung’, ‘Aapni Sehat’, ‘Watan Aapna Janat Ka Nishan’, ‘Aapna Vakeel, ‘Pothowar Rang’, ‘Pahar Rang’, ‘Punjab Rang’, ‘Kashiri Rang’, ‘Dogari Rang’, ‘Gojari Rang’, ‘Poonch Hour’, ‘Bhimber Hour’, plus others.

It will be the first Asian TV service to simultaneously launch a secondary channel. Currently it�۪s unclear what the second channel, known as KBC2, will broadcast. However EPG data testing off the Sky EPG of KBC2 suggests it will be a timeshift channel, telecasting shows one hour later to its flagship service. A first for Asian TV in the UK.

KBC’s policy has reiterated its stance on being a Kashmiri channel, “While KBC is a Kashmiri channel it is not to propagate any specific political, religious or sectarian viewpoint. KBC is the home to all viewpoints. However, we are strongly opposed to any form of prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, creed, ideology, ethnicity, religion or cultural background. In other words our policy is based on the philosophy of Kashmiriyat that means tolerance, coexistence, peace, justice and progress.

Another feature of KBC policy is to give voice to the voiceless communities across Kashmir, South Asia and the world.”

Incidentally KBC launches weeks after another Kashmiri channel Aap TV began its test run replacing DM News on the Sky EPG. It has now come to know that Aapna Channel closed down due to internal politics, which lead to shareholders going their separate ways.

KBC is EPG data testing. Video and audio tests are expected soon.

Tests of KBC can be viewed in the following way:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 12.525 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight “53275” service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> “53275” should be listed and available

Tests of KBC 2 can be viewed in the following way:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 12.525 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight “55111” service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> “55111” should be listed and available

Updated: 23:25