NDTV, Astro jointly Launch channel in Indonesia

New Delhi, June 16: NDTV and Astro, a leading South East Asia media group, today jointly announced the launch of a 24 hour news, infotainment and lifestyle channel called Astro Awani.

The language of the channel is primarily Bahasa Indonesia.

It is the first channel launched by NDTV outside India, a news release by the broadcaster said here today.

With this launch, Astro Awani becomes the first news channel in Astro's bouquet, and will be distributed throughout Indonesia on PT Direct Vision's platform, that is currently licensing the 'Astro' trademark.

Astro is expected to complete its 20 per cent investment in PT Direct Vision soon.

"Astro Awani has been launched to provide incisive, up-to-the-minute news, lifestyle, debate, current affairs and infotainment to discerning viewers in Indonesia, PT direct vision CEO Nelia Sutrisno said.

By partnering with NDTV, we've ensured that we bring nothing less than the best practices in news gathering and infotainment programming to our viewers," he added.

Commenting on the launch, NDTV chairman Prannoy Roy described the venture as a landmark for his channel and India's media industry.

''For the first time, an Indian media company has launched a news and infotainment channel outside India in partnership with an international media company. We will jointly with Astro, will generate specific news for viewers of Indonesia and provide them with a world class news viewing experience,'' he said.

UNI