MUMBAI: Three months after the distribution JV between TV18 and Viacom18 called IndiaCast announced that its news brand called News 18 is going to be distributed internationally very soon, TV18 has now entered the US market with the launch of News18 India. The 24 hours television news channel is designed to give global audiences a window into India. The channel went live on 30 July on Dishworld and Dish Network Channel 711.
It can be noted that News18 India is already present in key south Asian diaspora markets that include the UK, Singapore and the Middle East (the latter two were added only recently).
News18 India will be available to all viewers on the international base pack, English News pack and Hindi Mega pack, making this one of the most widely distributed Indian News channels in the US.
News 18 provides all types of news from India including political and business as well as weather reports. The same team that produces news for the existing news channels in the IndiaCast portfolio such as CNN-IBN, CNBC TV-18, IBN7 produce news for News 18.
News18 India is a unique news channel offering a dynamic and customised blend of business and general news programming at times that suit the US audience ensuring greater relevance for the viewers in the region.
In addition to News18 India, IndiaCast distributes the flagship general entertainment channel Colors, other channels such as Rishtey, MTV India International and 6 ETV branded services in overseas markets.
IBN News Networks CEO Avinash Kaul said, “It gives me immense pleasure to expand our global footprint and to take the best of Indian News to every household outside of India. News18 India is a destination for definitive news for the Indian diaspora, a community of high achievers seeking Indian news and for ethnic conglomerates with business interests in India. At a time when the world is watching India, News18 India will serve as the world’s window into India.”
“After UK, Singapore and the Middle East, News18 India now launches in the US. We are confident that News18 India, with a customised offering for the US market, will fill the void of a comprehensive business and general news service from India. This would be our seventh channel on the Dish network and with them we found a perfect partner to bring this channel to all viewers who want a window into India,” added India Cast group COO Gaurav Gandhi.
