Indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: - Robert Chua Productions (RCP), a leading producer in the Asian marketplace and founder of 'The Interactive Channel' (TIC), is all set to launch 'iREACH OUT', the world's first TV Forum for disabled people on TIC, Asia's first 24-hour interactive television network on 1 December.

iREACH OUT will simultaneously debut its 24-hour broadcast on TIC as well as on the Internet. Viewers at home will be able to interact via SMS, the Internet and call in by phone or web-phone to vote and access chat rooms for discussions.

"We're proud to launch the first TV Forum for disabled people to express their views, feelings and exchange life experiences," said TIC chairman and founder Robert Chua. "iREACH OUT will see the convergence of broadcast TV, Internet, SMS and phone networking technologies that will enable viewers to interact and discuss various topics on the Forum."

Three disabled people with sight, hearing and speech impairments along with one translator for verbal and sign language will take part in the show. This unique concept will aimed at allowing the audience to have an insight into the participants' day-to-day lives and the way they cope with their disability. The forum will encourage discussions about issues that need to be addressed between able and disabled people. For the first time the disabled audience can 'watch' or 'hear' a TV show along with the able viewers.

TIC will also feature a diverse range of interactive programs including talk and game shows, children's programming, shopping, advertising and customer service's programming. The 24-hour schedule is focused on providing general entertainment for the Hong Kong TV audience who can interact in all the shows.

TIC will broadcast locally produced shows and viewers, using familiar technologies such as SMS and web-chat, will be able to give feedback, suggest topics, vote in polls and even play games.