MUMBAI: Sun Network is planning to launch four Telugu language channels, stitching together a bouquet of eight channels by the year-end.

First to take off would be a satellite channel with cable-oriented content, aimed for a June launch. The channel, GCV, will have local events, product launches, news and movies. Cable operators will have a revenue share arrangement with Sun Network. "GCV will help strengthen our relationship with cable operators. As the content will be localised, operators can enjoy a share of the revenues. It will have a two-hour band for kids and the plan is to launch the channel in June," says a source in Gemini.

Sun Network also plans to launch channels in the business and kids genre. "We will take a decision soon. But the new launches will be targeted specifically at niche audiences and advertisers," he adds. Sun Network already has four Telugu channels in its stable - Gemini (general entertainment), Teja (movies and film-based programming), Teja News (news channel) and Aditya (music channel).

The move comes in the wake of Sun Network chairman and managing director Kalanithi Maran planning to launch a direct-to-home (DTH) service. Maran will need a wide range of south Indian language channels to lure subscribers to his DTH platform. Besides, he will use this wide bouquet in each of these language markets to aggregate audiences, making it difficult for rival networks to compete with him. "In Andhra Pradesh, there is a market for niche audience segments," says the source.