‘NDTV HINDU’ to launch in Chennai on 16th May

– A strategic alliance between NDTV and THE HINDU
– Chennai’s only city-specific English News and Entertainment channel
– Non Stop Programmes, Non Stop Chennai

New Delhi, May 15, 2009 – India’s two most credible media houses NDTV Ltd. and The Hindu have come together to launch Chennai’s first and only city-specific English News and Entertainment channel ‘NDTV HINDU’, on 16th May,09. This channel of “Nonstop programmes for Nonstop Chennai” will cover breaking news and current affairs as well as user-friendly information on the hottest eateries, latest gizmos in town and best shopping and hangout destinations in the city. Every programme will reveal a new facet of Chennai and around, offering news that is authentic, credible and entertaining with a young and enthusiastic team of anchors and reporters.

Announcing the launch of the channel, Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairman, NDTV Ltd., said, “We firmly believe that the future of news is in going local. The Hindu Group with its impeccable credentials has been a household name for generations in Chennai and this partnership will help NDTV HINDU to capitalise on the brand strengths and journalistic values of both the media houses.”

Sharing his views on the launch, N. Ram, Editor-In-Chief, The Hindu, said, “Chennai is fast evolving as a cosmopolitan city. Though there are a few Indian language channels that exist for local news, yet there is no English channel catering exclusively to this vibrant city. With NDTV’s strong television broadcasting and editorial capabilities, NDTV HINDU will bring out the true flavor of the city through its high-end content.”

N. Murali, Managing Director, The Hindu, added, “With its non-stop programming across genres, catering to a young urban India, NDTV HINDU aims to change the perspective of every Chennaite about their city, by the minute.”

Commenting on the launch Rajiv Lulla, MD and CEO, NDTV HINDU added, “This channel is a winning combination of editorial excellence and superior programming, targeted at the young. We’re sure we will be able to capture the pulse of the city and give the viewers what they have been missing so far”

Designed as a highly interactive channel, ‘NDTV HINDU’ will invite students from Chennai schools for the weekly show titled ‘I Spy with My Digital Eye’ where they will be taught how to make films, all caught on camera. The channel will also offer a show for shopaholics called ‘Super Shopper’ that will introduce Chennaites into the world of style and glamour as the show hosts travel to city boutiques, stores, malls and even the footpath to check out the best deals and sales. ‘Shift Focus’ on the other hand will showcase who went where over the weekend, what’s the latest show in town and latest updates on exhibitions, night dos and book launches within Chennai and around the state.

Seasoned broadcast journalist Jennifer Arul, Managing Editor/COO, NDTV HINDU, on ‘Night Vision’ will round up the day’s happenings in and around the city and national news of importance. Coinciding with the counting day, viewers can watch Jennifer on the election special ‘Night Vision’ with none other than the very well-known Chennai-based TV journalist Sashi Kumar, Chairman, Media Development Foundation, for a detailed analysis of the 15th Lok Sabha results. The show will capture the results euphoria and disappointments across political parties as well as the game changing role played by the Tamil Nadu parties. Also as part of Special Election-day programming, people will be able to watch special debates between students, politicians and opinion makers.

‘NDTV HINDU’ will be broadcast free-to-air on SCV and Hathway.