Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010550290200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

More news in the new year

The New Year ushered in two more Telugu news options on television adding to the list of round-the-clock news channels. The viewers, on their part, can look forward to more excitement on the small screen as few more news channels are in the pipeline.

Those awaited include the news beaming in Telugu from Zee, Sitara, Saakshi, Maa and others.

This week test transmission of HMTV and I News has started and once formally through, it might take few more months for them to make a mark for themselves.

While the year 2008 ended with two channels TV5 and NTV coming alive, the year 2009 started with two channels and more lined up, surely ground getting prepared for channels to vie with each other in catching the attention of viewers.

With the political engagements set to gain more heat with impending elections, news channels are sure to get more active in coming days and who walks away with maximum honours is to be watched.

Nandi Awards

A colourful event at Tirupati on Saturday had the best of Telugu small screen felicitated.

The Nandi TV awards presentation had a mix of senior and fresh talent walking away with honours.

The award winners included Ashok Kumar and Bhavana as best actor and actress while Meer was presented the best director award.

A host of television personalities including Kadambari Kiran, Ragini, Kinnera and Gowtham Raju were present at the function which drew a packed audience, reflecting the popularity of the stars of the small screen.

T. LALITH SINGH