The actual addition of the NDTV channels to the platform though, will happen in tandem with the exit of CNBC India business news channel, which is moving to the Zee-Turner bouquet post-March 2003.

Indiantelevision.com got in touch with sources in NDTV to extract more details on the latest developments but they would "neither deny nor confirm" the move.

Meanwhile, indiantelevision.com has learnt that distribution executives from the One Alliance have been meeting up with MSOs and cable ops to discuss the issue of subscription rates, what with another channel joining the bouquet, if not two. This is because NDTV may not necessarily launch with both the channels, once it breaks away from Star India on 31 March.

Once the addition of NDTV to the fold has been completed, the One Alliance will comprise eight channels in SET, Max, AXN, Discovery, Animal Planet, HBO, NDTV English and NDTV Hindi.

There still remains a music channel and kids channel to complete the One Alliance bouquet though, which should happen sooner rather than later. And indiantelevision.com's bets continue to be on the Viacom channels MTV and Nickelodeon as the next additions to the bouquet after NDTV officially becomes part of the bouquet.