Ajita Shashidhar

The company also plans to launch a series of interactive programmes on its Hindi business channel, Awaaz.

Mumbai , Aug. 23

TELEVISION 18 India, which is all set to go on air with its general English news channel, Broadcast News, within a month, also plans to enter the Hindi general news category some time this fiscal.

Mr Ajay Chacko, Head (Marketing), Television 18 India, told Business Line that the company's foray into the Hindi general news space was definitely on the cards, but refused to reveal further information, saying it was too early.

The company had earlier informed stock exchanges its intent about launching Hindi and English general news channels.

On the other hand, the company also plans to launch a series of interactive programmes on its Hindi business channel, Awaaz, targeted at lay consumers. Awaaz viewership, as per a TAM report, is growing 30 per cent month-on-month and is reportedly the highest in this space.

The new programmes, according to Mr Chacko, would include shows such as Aap Ki Awaaz, a talk show anchored by actor Shabana Azmi to discuss consumer issues, while Consumer Court, anchored by actor Farooq Shaikh, would look into frauds, consumer grievances, redressals and so on.

"We realised that consumer grievance is a big area to be explored, as we get around 2,000 mails every day on various consumer issues," said Mr Chacko.

The channel is also launching Pehredar, a programme on corporate and economic crimes.

However, going on air in the next few days is Moneybhai Investor, a stimulated real-time stock market game.

This game, according to Mr Chacko, would reach out to the investing population and prospective investors.

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