| MUMBAI:
Germany's international broadcaster Deutche Welle, which already runs DW-TV Asia
in India since 1996, today announced the launch of a channel, DW-TV Asia+.
The company is
also eyeing local partners for its radio business. DW-radio airs programmes on
three Indian languages. Commenting
on the channel launch, Deutsche Welle director of distribution Petra Schneider
said: "Deutsche Welle has a history of being involved in fine arts and culture
and the launch of the living channel DW-TV ASIA+ is a strong testimony to our
international efforts in bringing this to India." DW-TV
Asia+ will hold a programming mix of 18 hours of English language. The remaining
six hours will be dedicated to German content. Programming
of the channel will be a blend of European lifestyle, culture and arts. It will
also host in-depth reports from business and politics. "With
this new channel, we are offering our audience in India a window to European living
via our quality programming with 18 hours in English," Schneider adds. DW-TV
Asia+ will be available on Sun Direct, DD Direct + DTH, InCableNet, Hathway, Manthan
Broadband Services, Ortel, Siticable, Seven Star, Asianet, Atria, and other cable
networks. It will also be available in premium hotels in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
and Chennai. As
part of its marketing initiative, the channel will host an on-air contest, starting
1 April. The contest will give away approximately Rs 1.3 million worth of prizes
to the winners. The grand prize will be a week in Berlin. This prize will include
airfare and accommodations for two people and 1,000 euros of spending money.
The already present
channel DW-TV Asia, meanwhile, will offer 16 hours of programming in German and
eight hours in English. The channel is targeted at viewers from German-speaking
countries living abroad, or to those interested in learning German. | 
