MUMBAI: Iran's state broadcaster has launched an English news channel Press TV, aiming to break the stranglehold of the West over the world's media. Its competition ioncludes BBC, CNN, France 24 and AL Jazeera.

The channel will focus on Middle East news. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been quopted in reports saying that the network should stand behind oppressed nations but not make up news in their favour.

The channel would, thus, pave the way for people's acquaintance with an alternative voice and view. Press TV programmes hover on half hour news bulletins, reports, live talk shows and documentaries.