Writemen Media's news channel to be called Public TV
The company will launch one or two more channels in the entertainment category in the next one year.
The Karnataka news television market will see the foray of a new channel called Public TV on January 26 (tentatively). At a time when all existing channels in the state, except TV9 Karnataka have either high political or business backing, Public TV from the Writemen Media stable, claims to be the second one in the region with no political support.
Interestingly, the channel that will focus on the average common man, is expected to take on board an 'assets' ombudsman. The company has also introduced an 'ensured' transparency system wherein the chairman and managing editor of Writemen Media will publicly announce their assets on Day 1. And, all undisclosed properties found will be auctioned.
At a time when the industry spends anywhere between Rs 40-50 crore to set up a news channel, H R Ranganath, chairman and managing editor of Writeman Media notes that Public TV has been established with an amount which is 20-25 per cent less than the industry-quoted amount.
While 50 per cent of the amount is being spent on distribution, the rest has been earmarked for marketing and promotions.
"We have a larger vision to reach. Our immediate goal is to establish Public TV in the market amongst viewers, and launch one or two more channels in the entertainment category in the next one year. We then plan to foray into print," says Ranganath.