Sonia to launch Congress-backed channel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Congress president Sonia Gandhi will officially launch a Congress-supported Malayalam TV channel "Jai Hind TV" on Aug 17 from New Delhi.

Keralites consider Aug 17 as Chingam Onu, the most auspicious day for the commencement of any new venture. "Jai Hind" would be a 24-hour channel with emphasis on news and news-based programmes to start with.

The channel will be a joint venture between Bharath Broadcasting Network (BBN) and Jai Hind Communications (JHC), the Congress party being the third partner.

Last month, Defence Minister A.K. Antony laid the foundation stone of the proposed studio complex at a two-acre plot of land purchased by the channel in the Kinfra Film and Video Park on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram.