UTV Group to launch eight new television channels

The DTH companies are already struggling to carry the large number of existing channels on their service. The problem could now get intensified as the UTV Group has announced their plans to start eight new channels by March next year.

The company is investing close to around $200 million on this initiative. Ronnie Screwvala, founder & CEO of UTV Group spoke on their plans: “We are finalizing the launch of eight new channels. Four of them will go on air from August 15 this year, and the rest by March 2008.”

Out of these eight channels, four would be pay-TV channels targeted at the young urban viewers. Screwvala added on their future plans: “UTV wants to produce at least 12 movies a year, including one international title, possibly in collaboration with players in Hollywood or other places.”

Screwvala further said: “The Middle East contributes significantly as there is a large Indian expatriate community here. We will enter into negotiations with distributors here to make them (channels) available to the Gulf audience.”