New TV & radio channels launch update

With the start of the New Year, BizAsia.co.uk has been inundated with emails from readers asking about particular channels launching in the UK this year.

We bring you the latest on each of the upcoming channels.

Sahara One & Filmy
Date of launch: None specified
Comments from broadcaster: GloboSat who will now handle the distribution of Sahara One and Sahara Filmy in the UK told BizAsia.co.uk the following: “Sometime in 2007 Sahara One is expected to launch but there is no specific time frame yet.”

ZEE’s new channel
Date of launch: None specified
Comments from broadcaster: With the closure of South Asia World (SAW), ZEE had 30 days to launch its new channel in the vacant slot left by SAW on Sky Digital. Reports suggesting ZEE Sports and ZEE News could be possibilities of launching in the UK. ZEE has said it has received an “extension” from Sky to decide on its ‘replacement’ channel launch.

DD India & DD News
Date of launch: March 2007
Comments from broadcaster: Doordarshan had been seeking a deal to launch its two channels by 26th January (India’s Republic Day), however due to waiting time for Sky EPG numbers, the broadcaster will now launch its two channels in March.

Mana & Chola
Date of launch: March & April 2007
Comments from broadcaster: The broadcaster has confirmed that ‘Mana’ (Telegu language channel) will launch on 20th March. The Tamil service ‘Chola’ will be available from 14th April on Hotbird.

Noor TV
Date of launch: March 2007
Comments from broadcaster: The channel is keeping tight-lipped about the date it will launch on Sky Digital, however, a March 2007 launch date is confirmed.

CNN IBN
Date of launch: None specified
Comments from broadcaster: Since the departure of South Asia World, which streamed CNN IBN from India, concerned viewers have contacted BizAsia.co.uk asking if the channel will be returning independently. A spokesman for CNN IBN said: “South Asia World is renegotiating its distribution contracts in the UK. While the process is underway, the channel will briefly be off air. We will be back on air as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you could still access our news feeds online at www.ibnlive.com.”

Winstar TV
Date of launch: Monday 30th April 2007
Comments from broadcaster: A free-to-air Asian entertainment channel. However the channel could face delays if an internal agreement is not reached.

Sabras Radio
Date of launch: None specified
Comments from broadcaster: The Midland’s most popular Asian radio station Sabras Radio will be going live on Sky Digital by May/June 2007.

Aapna Channel
Date of launch: Monday 23rd April 2007
Comments from broadcaster: The UK’s first Pahari channel will go live on Sky on Monday 23rd April. (Updated: 08/01/07)

DM Kashmiri
Date of launch: None specified
Comments from broadcaster: DM Digital will be launching the UK’s first all-Kashmiri channel in the first half of this year.

We will keep you posted on developments of these channels. Keep it with the UK’s only Asian media news website BizAsia.co.uk.