MUMBAI: SaharaOne Television is about to make
a big splash in the Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC) space by introducing
not less than eight new programmes. The channel, having set an ambitious 2006-end
target of achieving the third position in the market, hopes a near complete revamp
of the sensitive 8 pm to 11 pm prime time band would drive the turnaround.
 "By
the end of 2006, we want to become the third most successful
general entertainment channel in the Hindi space. We will be
unleashing a series of programming activities in the coming
weeks. Two new soaps Kuch Apne Kuch Paraye and Solhah
Singaarr will start the proceedings and four more soaps
will be launched in the prime time band. The picture will be
complete with the introduction of two big ticket format shows,"
Sahara One Media and Entertainment Limited CEO Shantonu Aditya
tells indiantelevision.com.
The channel's most successful soap Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon
Ki will however escape the revamp exercise. Another prime
time soap Hare Kkaanch Ki Choodiyan is giving way for
Solhah Singaarr. SaharaOne is yet to decide the slot
for Kuch Apne Kuch Paraye, according to Aditya.
 Speaking
on the reality shows in the pipeline, Aditya said the channel was yet to finalise
certain details and would be sharing information on the initiatives at a later
period. However he hinted that one of the reality shows planned would be celebrity-based.
"We
had been planning to launch a celeb-based reality dance show Superstars.
But, looking at the way the existing celeb dance shows are faring in the rating
charts, we have decided to take a re-look at Superstars," Aditya says.
 When
the sliding market share of SahraOne (based on July to September
CS4+ HSM Tam ratings) is brought to his attention, Aditya
counters by saying that the channel has already been showing
signs of a good comeback.
"Last week, we have improved our GRPs to 87 from 60
of the previous week. The reach has been improved to 51 per
cent. Our belief is that the latest programming efforts, backed
by the strong movie properties we have, will strengthen the
channel's position tremendously," he says.
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