The GEC (general entertainment channel), STAR Jalsha and ABP Group-STAR India news channel, STAR Ananda, distributed by STAR DEN, will become pay channels from November. While the package deal of the two channels will cost only Rs 12, individually STAR Jalsha and STAR Ananda will cost Rs 12 and Rs 6 respectively.
Explain this move, Gurjeev Singh Kapoor, chief executive officer, STAR DEN, says, "Both channels are popular and we expect a good declaration from the ground. The two channels have been reasonably priced. Being the No. 1 channel, STAR Jalsha is the STAR Plus or Colors of the Bengali market. Above all, the combo offer, with the GEC and news channels available at Rs 12, makes an attractive package."
Kapoor went on to say that the company expects a high declaration from cable operators and emphasised on the possibility of the channels turning into mass products as the operators try to make them available across the market.
Hinting on the markets STAR DEN is planning to target for its distribution Kapoor adds, "Kolkata is a big market. Our focus is not only on West Bengal but we have set our sights on covering the entire eastern region as well. At the same time, we are tapping markets such as Assam as well."
The STAR DEN portfolio currently includes channels such as STAR Plus, STAR One, STAR Gold, STAR Movies, STAR World, Vijay TV, STAR Utsav, STAR News, STAR Pravah, STAR Jalsha, Channel V, National Geographic Channel, The History Channel, Disney, Jetix, Hungama, Zoom, Times Now, CNBC TV 18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and The MGM Channel.
Source: Bombay Adclub
