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NDTV Worldwide and Beximco to launch Bangladesh's first 24 hrs news channel
The joint venture will be known as Independent Television, which will be launched in September 2010
NDTV Worldwide and Beximco Group have joined hands to launch a 24-hour news and current affairs channel in Bangladesh. The Beximco Group owns a daily The Independent, and a web portal. The new channel will be called Independent Television.
Salman F Rahman, deputy chairperson, Beximco Group, says in an official communiqué, "As a group, we have always thought about uplifting Bangladesh and a presence in the electronic media in the mould of a news channel can do wonders for the country."
"We couldn't have got a better partner than NDTV, a leading name in Indian media, with a vast knowledge of news markets globally, coupled with an experienced broadcast team. It is an ideal partner for any new player in the field. We look forward to establishing a viewer focused channel that will bring metamorphosis in the Bangladesh media industry."
Prannoy Roy, chairperson, NDTV Limited, says, "We are confident of the Beximco Group's expansion plans in the Bangladesh media sector, which will be a successful setting and the future will be a testimony to this."
The JV is a strategic partnership, according to Shyatto Raha, chief executive officer, NDTV Worldwide, and no equity is involved so far. NDTV, with an experience of 21 years in news gathering, broadcast operations and production value, can bring the same to this partnership. NDTV will also assist Beximco in operations and business management functions as well.
Emerging markets can be an interesting proposal for anyone and Bangladesh has already got eight-10 channels, though no channel focuses on any particular genre. Hence, this is the first attempt where a 24-hour news channel will be explored in the country.