The Hindi news space is slated to get a new addition with the proposed launch of a 24x7 Hindi news channel, KBC News, by Chandigarh-based production house Kohinoor Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). The channel is expected to go on air by May-June, 2008. Vickram Bahl, Editor-in-Chief of Delhi-based production house ITMN, has been roped in as consultant for the new channel.
KBC, a public listed company, is promoted by its Managing Director Harjinder Singh. As consultant, Bahl would be responsible for setting up KBC News. He would also be Chairperson of the advisory board of the Hindi news channel.
“In addition to the Hindi news channel, KBC also has plans to come up with an entertainment channel, KBC Plus, after around two months of the launch of the news channel. Thereafter, the company would come up with KBC Profit, a business channel, and KBC Gold, which would showcase regional movies from all states,” informed Singh.
KBC’s plans extend beyond India, with the company planning to set up play stations in the UK as well as cover the US, Canada, the Middle East, and South East Asian countries, including Japan and Singapore, with its broadcasting network. The company also has a production house in the Middle East.
“All these developments are expected to be completed by the end of 2008. KBC was started around eight years ago as a production house. We used to cater to the content requirements of regional channels,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Hindi news channel, Bahl said, “The channel would provide news and current affairs in an analytical way and simplify them for the audience. We believe in providing in-depth analysis of the important and burning issues.”
The company is in the process of recruiting top level executives. Bahl added that a state-of-the-art facility was ready at Rajpura near Chandigarh. The channel would have bureaus in all the metros.
Bahl, a media veteran, has hosted shows on various television channels. His recent TV series include ‘Insight with Vickram Bahl’ and ‘Opportunities Overseas’, both telecast on Doordarshan.
© exchange4media 2008
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