Star Jalsha set to replace ABP News in UK?

Star TV Network’s Bengali entertainment channel, Star Jalsha is expected to replace ABP News when it ceases broadcasting in the UK later this month.

ABP News is set to leave the UK Asian TV market after its deal with Star TV ended earlier this year. Star News became ABP News a few months ago but due to legalities and contractual agreements, the channel was still being carried in the UK.

While, Star TV is yet to comment on the developments, tests of Star Jalsha have already started off the Sky Digital EPG. With tests in full swing, the channel is more than likely to launch before the end of this month.

It is unclear why the network has chosen its Bengali channel for UK launch. Even though Star Jalsha leads in its genre in India, it faces stiff competition from other free channels like ATN Bangla, Channel S, Bangla TV and Channel 9. ZEE had earlier tried its hand at offering Bengali content with ZEE Bangla and through ZEE Cafe but they were soon taken off. Multi Screen Media has also been toying with the idea of launching its Bengali channel, Sony Aath – but nothing concrete yet.

Meanwhile, on cable platform – Virgin Media – ABP News is set to be replaced with Star Life Ok – the network’s second entertainment channel. The change is expected next week.

Star Gold’s sister channel, Movies Ok was also rumoured to launch to fill the vacant slot left by ABP News on Sky Digital but this currently is unconfirmed.

Details below of how viewers can manually tune in to the tests:
-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter frequency: 11.261 (H), FEC: 2/3, SR: 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight ���52112? service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> ���52112? should be listed and available