Sikh Channel returns to Sky Digital EPG

Popular Sikh religious service, Sikh Channel has returned to the Sky Digital EPG, just 24 hours after being abruptly taken off air.

BizAsia sources confirmed that the channel had not paid its transmission costs, resulting in the service being suspended yesterday. In documentation seen by BizAsia, the channel’s arrears with Arqiva have accumulated to over �250,000 since it launched in 2009. It was forced to pay around �20,000 by yesterday to keep the service on-air. However, due to non-payment, the service was removed but returned today after payment was cleared.

Sikh Channel is dependent wholly on donations from viewers. It has been broadcasting a regular 30-minuute show throughout the day today to inform viewers of the suspension yesterday and how viewers can help to prevent the situation arising again. The show also featured an interview with Gurdeep Singh CEO of Sikh Channel, who answered questions about the money raised by Sikh Channel and its connection with Brit Asia TV.