MUMBAI: Chandigarh-based production house Kohinoor Broadcasting Corporation Ltd (KBCL) is planning to launch a Punjabi news channel and set up a teleport at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 million.

The company is weighing all options to raise funds for this purpose. "We may go in for debt or have a rights issue. We are also looking at diluting equity," says KBCL managing director Harjit Singh. He, however, ruled out diluting majority stake in the company.

KBCL has already applied for an uplinking licence. The earth station will be set up near Chandigarh. "We are awaiting clearance from the government," says Singh.

The free-to-air channel will be called KBC News and will mainly cover news from the state. The promoters hold 42 per cent (up to 30 September, 2004) in KBCL. Indian public hold 44.7 per cent while 12.77 per cent is with private corporate bodies. The company recorded a turnover of Rs. 15.7 crore in the 2003-2004 fiscal.

Meanwhile, KBCL has informd Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) today that the funds for property acquired near Chandigarh for setting up earth station would be allocated out of internal accrual and/or raised through promoters or its associates at present and a professional agency/person be consulted / appointment for structuring the financial requirements of the said project of Rs. 200 million for future.