STAR News contemplates regional news channels

If 2003 was the year when the news genre saw hectic activity with the launch of stand-alone channels, 2004 seems to be the time for steady consolidation. A number of players in the space are contemplating the launch of multiple channels including NDTV, ZEE News and CNBC-TV 18. One more player who joins this growing list is STAR News.

The network is looking to launch regional news channels across the country to increase market share. It is currently evaluating various options including the languages as well as geographical regions that could be targeted.

Meanwhile, STAR News has also made inroads abroad thanks to its availability on Rupert Murdoch's DTH platform BSkyB in the UK. It will also beam into US homes shortly on the Direct TV platform.