Indian news channel 'News18 India' launching in the UK
It is not yet clear whether the 24-hour service will be available on Freeview or not but from July 1, it will be available on Sky on the channel number that was previously occupied by music channel 9XM.
News18 India will be distributed across the UK by IndiaCast Media Distribution, a joint venture between Viacom18 and TV18.
Seasoned Indian journalist and editor-in-chief of IBN18 Network, Rajdeep Sardesai was in central London last week to launch News18 India in the UK.
“Delighted to be in London to launch Network18's much awaited global news channel. News 18 India will soon be here,” he said.
Starting with the UK, the Indian news channel will also be distributed to other countries including the US, Canada, and Australia.
“UK in July, News18 India will soon go to other parts of the world. A truly Indian news channel for the global Indian,” Sardesai added.
The channel will have tailor-made special bulletins and features on Indian business and politics airing at local prime-time for the UK Indians.
According to Anuj Gandhi, IndiaCast’s chief executive, News18 India aims to fulfil the need in the international market for a business and political news service focused on India.
He added that the service is launched first in the UK to acknowledge Britain as one of the biggest markets for Indian diaspora overseas.
News18 India will become the third Indian channel launched in the UK. Previously Indian channel Colors launched in the UK and Ireland in 2010 on Sky and channel Rishtey launched in Britain in 2012 on Sky and Virgin Media.
In September 2012, it was announced that Sony SAB TV become the first Asian entertainment channel to be available on Freeview in Britain. It was scheduled to be available in early 2013 but is yet to launch.
