Hindi news channel from Shri Tara set for February

Rebecca Hawkes ©RapidTVNews | 25-01-2012

Himachal Aaj Kal, a fresh television news channel for India's Hindi audience, is to launch in the second week of February, once test transmissions on Disha India's platform are complete.

The channel will reportedly provide analysis of the news, which will, the company says, be presented in a "pure" style.

"I think we will definitely survive and gain the top spot as we are a skilled team and the top is always empty for those who deserve it," Madhav Kant Mishra, chief executive, Disha India, told Exchange 4 Media. "I also agree that one can reach the peak, but can't always make house there."

Himachal Aaj Kal will be available via the direct to home (DTH) satellite platforms Dish TV, Tata Sky, Videocon d2h, Reliance Digital TV and Airtel Digital TV, with expansion plans for the channel's reach reportedly within a month of launch.

Local advertisers for the channel are currently being targeted ahead of next month's launch, which will be marketed across the print, radio and electronic media.

Further regional news channels are on the cards for ambitious Shri Tara Group in the future, according to the report.