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EXCLUSIVE: Interview with 9X on UK launch

Apr 26, 2008 11:32 PM| Read / Post comments

9X will be launching in the UK on Sky Digital this Monday (28th April), the broadcaster has confirmed to BizAsia.co.uk.

In an exclusive interview with us, Indrani Mukerjea, founder and CEO, INX Media Pvt Ltd, confirmed an initial test phase before switching to full programming.

Q. Will actual programmes begin on Monday or is this a test run? If so how many hours will you broadcast initially? We hear its 16.
A. Yes the actual programmes will commence from Monday 28th April at 20:00 (BST). It's 4 hours of 9X programming looped to make the 24-hour schedule.

Q. Are there plans to broadcast free to air or encrypted?
A. It is free to air.

Q. Will your music channel 9XM programmes also be screened in the UK feed or are you launching that service separately here?
A. We are using 9XM music clips as programme fillers on 9X. We may decide to launch 9XM as a separate channel at a future date.

Q. Will the channel logo also appear on screen from Monday as we understand you're awaiting the DD News transition to go through fully before your idents are shown.
A. The current 9X logo will appear on the channel.

Watch out for an exclusive full interview with Indrani Mukerjea on BizAsia.co.uk.

According to TV audience measuring body aMap's data in India for week 17 C&S 4+, 9X is giving other channels a run for their money by staying put at number three in all Hindi General Entertainment Channels (GECs). Whilst STAR Plus remains the market leader with 291 GRP points, ZEE TV is second with 182 points, 9X follows with 88, NDTV Imagine in fourth with 80. STAR One (67), Sony Entertainment Television Asia (66) and Sahara One (54) were holding their own in distance places.

Updated: 27/04/08

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: INX Media