The distribution network looks commendable as the channel has not even begun expanding its distribution network in southern India.

With increasing efforts going behind distribution every week, the last two months has witnessed two to three per cent growth in penetration. The Hindi belt has especially shown a wide acceptance for India TV. As per Tam's
connectivity report, in the last month, improvements in connectivity have ensured that India TV's presence in the vital P, C and S bands is better than that of other news channels, an official statement from India TV claimed.

In markets like Maharashtra and Kolkata (C&S penetration of 77 per cent), India TV has a stronger presence in these bands than Star News, while it outscores Zee News in Maharashtra and Rajasthan (C&S penetration of
80.8 per cent). In Gujarat, the channel has recorded a C&S penetration of 53.4 per cent and in Madhya Pradesh the channel has recorded a C&S penetration of 80.7 per cent. Overall, India TV is available to at least 75 to 80 per cent of C&S households, the statement added.

Commenting on the response received by the distribution team, Sharma said, “It is very encouraging to have managed successfully to implement our strategy, especially through the 100 per cent penetration in most parts of the Hindi belt. The distribution success stands testament to the fact that our unbiased news reporting and international methods of news gathering are being appreciated by viewers.”

Elaborating on the distribution success, Arun Poddar, vice-president (distribution), India TV, said, “In major towns of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, India TV has managed a 100 per cent distribution of both head ends and C&S households. Today, nearly 19 million C&S households in the Hindi belt receive our channel.”

From this month the focus would be on increasing the distribution in south India.

India TV has a distribution agreement with Dish TV, which has 150,000 subscribers. Under the terms of the agreement, Dish TV will receive exclusive rights to distribute the channel on its DTH platform.