Influx of Indian news channels in UK on the anvil?

The UK is embracing itself for an influx of new Indian news channels launching in the market over the next three months.

Industry sources say that Aaj Tak and NDTV 24×7, which are the only two Indian news players here, will be joined by other rival channels within weeks.

As revealed first on BizAsia earlier this month, ZEE Network will be launching ZEE News in the UK, which is expected to be the first of three new Indian news channels to launch. It is understood that ZEE News will consist of local bulletins as well as live bulletins from India. Industry speculation says that ZEE News will be made available as part of the network’s premium package to boost its existing ZEE TV, ZEE Cinema and ZEE Punjabi bouquet. However, this is yet to be confirmed by the broadcaster. The network has refused to divulge information at this moment.

Rumour also has it that ABP News (formerly Star News) could be returning to UK shores, months after it was dropped by Star TV Network. Globosat, which runs Sahara One in the UK, is speculated to bring back the channel in the country. However, a spokesperson for the company refused to confirm or deny the news saying that when there is news, BizAsia will be notified first.

There are even more rumours of Viacom 18 and TV18’s international distribution arm IndiaCast planning to launch English news channel CNN IBN in the UK. The company operates Rishtey in the UK. Incidentally, CNN IBN and sister station, IBN7’s programmes are aired on Rishtey. The news is yet to be announced by the channel. However, its no secret that IndiaCast will be launching a new channel in the coming weeks.

Recently, Pakistani channel Geo Tez launched in the UK as a free service to compete directly with ARY News, PTV News, Dawn News (Takbeer TV) and SAAMAA TV.

Keep it with BizAsia for the latest.