ARY Digital has snapped up the distribution rights for the much awaited Sahara TV channels in the UK and Europe, we can exclusively reveal.

As reported previously on BizAsia.co.uk, the two channels Sahara One and Filmy were initially set for a Sky Digital launch during the summer of this year but due to distribution negotiations and a long wait from Sky for EPG handouts, the launch was halted.

When contacted ARY Digital, they were quick to confirm that they will be distributing the two new channels. However, viewers will have to wait a little longer before anything is on screen. The broadcaster told BizAsia.co.uk that Sahara One and Filmy will be made available on Sky Digital by January/February next year.

ARY Digital has been on a high of late with successful launches of three of its own channels. In the last few months, ARY One World, QTV and The Muzik have begun UK transmissions. Furthermore, in a similar deal to Sahara, ARY Digital will also be distributing the entertainment and showbiz Indian channel Zoom TV in the UK from October.

Including its flagship channel ARY Digital, the broadcaster's network will be the biggest in the UK with a total of seven channels by early next year.

ZEE Network on the other hand is looking at expanding its bouquet too with the addition of two new channels, one in the next couple of months and the other early next year. ZEE is remaining tightlipped as to what the channels will be. Could ZEE be launching new third-party Indian channels in the UK like it did with South Asia World? ZEE is also looking at launching its ZEE News channel in the UK soon.

As confirmed on BizAsia.co.uk also yesterday, Geo TV will also be launching its youth entertainment channel Aag TV next month. There are also plans for Geo News to arrive early next year.

Other big guns STAR and Sony Entertainment Television Asia are also gearing up to launch their channels later this year. STAR will be launching entertainment spin off channel STAR One and Bollywood movies channel STAR Gold. Sony Entertainment Television Asia will be launching its comedy and light entertainment channel SAB TV.

As always, keep it with BizAsia.co.uk for more news on new channels.

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ZEE & STAR to launch two new channels