Five new channels will beam into Kerala homes soon, providing viewers more choices but crowding the television business in the state.
Currently, there are nine TV channels broadcasting in the state. Of these, Asianet, India Vision, People (Kairali) and Malayala Manorama are news channels.

The Indian Union Muslim League, an ally of the Congress- led United Democratic Front, announced the launch of its channel Thursday. 'A full-fledged satellite channel and a media city are expected to be ready in phases and it would be known as Channel IBC,' said IUML general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty, a former industries minister.

Janapriya Communications, promoted by K. Muraleedharan, son of former chief minister K. Karunakaran, is also launching a channel.

Among other TV channels in the pipeline are the ones promoted by media organizations Kerala Kaumudi and Mathrubhumi and one headed by M.V. Nikesh Kumar, who was till recently with India Vision TV.

'All the papers are ready for us and we are just waiting for the opportune time to launch ours and we will certainly be live next year,' said an official attached to the Kerala Kaumudi TV, who did not wish to be identified.

Another big name doing the rounds in industry circles for some time is that of Capt Krishnan Nair of Leela Hotels, who is said to be interested in entering the broadcasting business.

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