It has barely been a year since Channel Punjab launched in the UK and the last ten months have proved to be rather successful. The channel unveiled its UK studios last week and this week will see Channel Punjab encrypting its service on Sky Digital, so we caught up with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -Jasbir Singh Derewal of the channel to find out more about its eventful first year on air.

When did you join Channel Punjab?
Since it’s formation two years ago.

What does your daily routine entail of?
I'm the Chairman and CEO. My day normally starts at the office where I arrive to go through my post and emails then meetings normally start with Sales and Marketing followed by discussions either in the boardroom or in individual rooms about a variety of subjects. I will also pop down to the studio to meet with my production and technical crew there to discuss projects and sometimes watch a programme being filmed and then edited.

How did the idea of setting up a channel like yours come about?
It all started with a family discussion about a channel we were watching and their failure to provide my family with content we all enjoyed and from that the dream was hatched.

Who or what has been the inspiration behind Channel Punjab?
My father – Ranjit Singh Derewal.

What has been the biggest challenge since the channel launched last year?
Setting up the studios and finding quality staff!

Channel Punjab is the only UK based Punjabi channel but you do face stiff competition from ZEE Network’s Alpha ETC Punjabi, what would you say about your rival?
No comment.

How has the response to Channel Punjab been and do you think you have lured viewers from rival channels to view yours?
The response on the telephones, by email and face-to-face has been phenomenal and what has pleased my father and I the most is the amount of goodwill that has come from "the man/woman in the street" – I hope that viewers are coming to us purely because of our programme content and that it is something fresh.

Channel Punjab is encrypting this week, what is the main reason behind this?
To aid the channel in pushing ahead with it’s massive expansion programme into the US and Canada as well as enabling us to purchase state of the art equipment for the studios that will enable more and more new programming to be made for our viewers.

The encryption will be a real test between you and your rival as both will be encrypted services – what strategy (ies) have you in place to hold on to your viewers?
Our viewers are loyal and I thank them for that. The channel offers a unique programme content which is appreciated.

Some have criticised the price of your channel (£9.99) which compared to other channels is steep for an independent language channel. How would you justify it?
At the moment it is £8.28 not the figure stated which when compared is very good value for money.

Which programmes have proved popular with your viewers?
They all have, however the favourites from our research appear to be 'Swaad aa Gaya', 'Trinjhan', 'Mera Rangla Punjab' and the travel programmes (Kenya was very popular).

Could you tell us about any new movie acquisitions?
Not yet as negotiations are ongoing.

Channel Punjab will be launching its own studios in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands, what exactly will you be broadcasting from there? Tell us a bit about the facilities there?
1,500 sq ft studio with editing suites, graphics suite, conference rooms, green room with showers etc etc – it’s a very exciting project. The studios will be used to film debate shows and interviews as well as editing UK content to get it on air quicker.

The USP of Channel Punjab is its focus on local programming – other channels have tried this but have subsequently axed those shows due to high costs – how important are these local shows on your channel?
By local if you mean UK then yes really important. Our research has demanded more UK and Europe content.

Channel Punjab has lined up many summer events – could you divulge some details on these?
There is the ongoing Talent Hunt which moves to London this weekend and comes back to Birmingham for the second round in July. As well as the 828 Tour – watch this space.

Will Channel Punjab be available on other platforms beside Sky Digital?
It will be available via the Internet and discussions are continuing with Virgin Media.

What plans have you got to keep the channel fresh and vibrant?
Exactly what our viewers are demanding more and more unique content which we will provide – so subscribe to see!

Quick fire:
- Big Brother / Apprentice
- Bhangra / Bollywood
- Hans Raj Hans / Manmohan Waris
- Cricket / Kabaddi
- Night In / Night Out
- Yaaran Naal Baharan / Dil Apna Punjabi
- Birmingham / Punjab
- Comedy / Drama