2G scam: Kalaignar TV gets licence to launch new channel

Fearing that the Enforcement Directorate probing the 2G spectrum allocation scam may ask the ministry of information and broadcasting to cancel the licences of Kalaignar TV, its management has obtained license to launch a new channel the moment Kalaignar TV goes off the air.

With promoter Kanimozhi, daughter of DMK leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi, and managing director Sharat Babu cooling their heels in Tihar Jail on charges of hatching the 2G scam and money laundering, Kalaignar TV, owned by the Karunanidhi family, has gone into a major fire-fighting exercise.

The Karunanidhi family has made arrangements to launch the new channel with the name Murasu. "Yes, the ministry has given them the license to start new TV channels under the brand name Murasu. It is for the management to decide when to launch the channels," said Atya Nand, under-secretary (broadcasting), ministry of Information and Broadcasting, told DNA. Atya Nand heads the section issuing licences to prospective television broadcasters.

Read more: 2G scam: Kalaignar TV gets licence to launch new channel

ZEE Network goes for a new look, again

Ten months after Star Plus revamped itself, Subhash Chandra-owned Zee Network has lined up a major brand recast that includes a new logo, tagline and signature tune. Zee's new look will be unveiled on June 19, persons familiar with the development said.

The makoever would be reflected across the ZEE bouquet of channels though the focus will remain on flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV.

The network will hold on-ground events coupled with on-air promos to drive home the message. The on-ground exrecise, in particular, will be massive in scale, and will be held across several cities with the motive to mobilise viewers in unveiling its logo in Mumbai, company officials said when contacted. Zee is present in 167 countries.

Read more: ZEE Network goes for a new look, again

DD

In what would be a global first, public broadcaster Prasar Bharati is gearing up to auction slots on its free-to-air DTH arm, DD Direct Plus, to private broadcasters. At a base price of R1-1.5 crore per channel and with over 250 channels in queue to join DD Direct Plus, experts reckon that Prasar Bharati could generate R360-400 crore in the first year itself.

The move is in line with the government's vision of allocating scarce natural resources via a transparent auctioning mechanism.

DD Direct Plus has a subscriber base of around 8-9 million subscribers, including the remote hilly areas and the north-eastern states. Auctions of TV channel slots will replace the carriage fee regime.

The six existing private DTH operators in the country charge a carriage fee of R1.5-2.5 crore per channel.

Read more: DD

PTC Punjabi launches in Canada on Rogers cable

PTC Punjabi has expanded its footprint in Canada, launching on Rogers Cable.

"We are committed to bringing Gurbani to the Punjabi community in Canada, and have several shows of interest to the community that include Tirchi Nazar featuring prominent guests from Canada and NRI world, a weekly round up on community news and happenings," said PTC Punjabi Network co-founder and COO Rajiee M Shinde.

PTC Punjabi has launched on Rogers Cable channel No 693.

Read more: PTC Punjabi launches in Canada on Rogers cable