National 10 (Spotlight Weekly)

A New Beginning

Despite an economic slowdown, Kantipur Publications decides to go ahead with its television project

By A CORRESSPONDENT

At a time when Nepal's sky is filled with international television signals, including more than a dozen Indian channels, Kantipur Television Network's decision to start Nepali-language programs will give viewers in the country one more choice.

Although three Nepalese channels are already on air, they largely present foreign-made programs. Government-controlled Nepal Television, too, relies excessively on foreign program. Kantipur Television Network has to come out with an entirely different approach to leave its mark. Moreover, if it succeeds in producing more programs in Nepali, it will compel other channels to focus more on local content.

"Our programs will be different than those on other channels, and our objective is to cover the voice missed by other television channels," said Rajendra Bahadur Singh, deputy general manager of Kantipur Television Network. "Our aim will be to provide programs in accordance with the wishes of the people," he added.

That commitment would obviously please Kathmanduites, who will have access to three new Nepalese TV channels within a few months. Nepal Television and Shangri-La Channel are planning to start metro channels.

Kantipur Television will provide direct employment to more than 350 Nepalis and indirect employment to a larger number of people. The network will also help to upgrade programming content.

Inspired by its successes in the radio and newspaper business, Kantipur Publications has ventured into television. How it would compete in a small market will be avidly watched. Those behind the project appear confident. "We are optimistic about our venture, as we will produce programs keeping in mind the interests of our viewer," said Kailash Sirohiya, director of the network.

All the TV promoters are eyeing the 1.2 million-strong audience of Kathmandu valley. Kantipur Television will air its programs thorough a terrestrial transmitter of 5 kW. The network plans to go on satellite within five years and aims to cover 45 percent of land and 70 percent of the total population.

With technical and financial support from China, the construction of an ultramodern studio is going on in full swing inside Singha Durbar. Nepal Television is expected to start its metro channel within a year. Shangri-La Channel, another private outlet, is also preparing to air its programs soon.

At a time when most national and international investors are adopting a wait-and-see strategy, the promoters of Kantipur Publications have decided to go ahead with their Rs. 500 million TV project. This is one of the biggest investments in the last year.

Although some media groups have opposed the government's decision to permit Kantipur Publications to operate radio, print and television, the organization has announced its tentative schedule for operation.

Despite Kantipur Television's claim that it intends to produce people-oriented program, some media groups believe the decision to allow a big publishing house to operate a television channel would stifle competition.

It is up to the organization to prove that it can foster pluralism in society. In a highly competitive market, TV channels have to be professional for their own survival.