Music and Youth
etc Punjabi may go pay post CAS
MUMBAI: Although ETC Networks had earlier announced that its channels etc and etc Punjabi would become free-to-air after 14 July 2003, there is a possibility that etc Channel Punjabi will go pay.
At a CAS seminar organised by ETC Networks in Mumbai on Thursday, ETC Networks’ director Jagjit Singh Kohli said the decision would depend on the business/revenue model of the channel. “Our research indicates that etc Punjabi has exclusive content that is not available with competitors – for instance, the Gurbani (live renditions from the Sikh holy book relayed from the Golden Temple, Amritsar). Moreover, our internal research indicates that large chunks of viewers in North India are hooked on to the channel and will definitely pay the monthly charges.”
However, Kohli categorically confirmed that the flagship Hindi music channel etc would remain FTA. “etc music channel has substantial reach, penetration and distribution. In fact, it gets advertising revenues due to these strengths. Moreover, it also earns monies due to sponsored trailors and music videos amongst others. There is no question that etc Hindi would remain free,” Kohli said.
He also added that several broadcasters will have to take a decision about converting pay channels into FTA and vice versa. “It entirely depends on the business model that the broadcaster adopts. Currently, some of the MSOs are asking pay channels for commitments that they would remain pay for a certain specified duration. However, the government notifications don’t specify any such commitments. As far as the government is concerned, the more the number of FTA channels, the better it is. The government can then claim that CAS is a success.”
In an interesting revelation, Kohli also pointed out that the broadcasters have proposed to have different MRPs (market retail prices) for channels in different cities. In their meeting with MSOs on 18 June, broadcasters had given MSOs a chance to add their margins to the pay channel rates specified by the broadcasters. However, Kohli felt that the differential pricing regime would not be allowed as the government wants standardised rates across the country.
Music and Youth
TLC launches ‘World On My Plate’ with Shipra Khanna
New travel-food series premieres 29 March at 7:00 PM.
MUMBAI: Shipra Khanna just packed her bags and her flavours because when a celebrated chef takes you on a global plate tour, even the couch starts feeling like first-class. Warner Bros. Discovery India has announced the launch of World On My Plate with Shipra Khanna, a new travel and food series set to premiere on TLC on 29 March at 7:00 PM. Hosted and curated by the popular chef and television personality, the show blends food, travel and culture through an intimate and immersive lens.
Across three visually rich episodes, Shipra journeys to global destinations to explore not just what people eat, but why they eat it, uncovering the stories, traditions and human connections behind every dish. The series opens in London, weaving its iconic landmarks with diverse culinary scenes, before moving to Spain’s vineyards, olive orchards and coastal kitchens.
Warner Bros. Discovery head of advertising revenues for South Asia Tanaz Mehta said: “At TLC, our focus has always been on bringing authentic stories that reflect how people live and connect. World On My Plate builds on this by using food as a lens to explore shared traditions across geographies. We’re excited to collaborate with Chef Shipra Khanna, whose perspective brings both depth and relatability to these narratives.”
Shipra Khanna added, “Food has always been my way of connecting with people and understanding cultures. With World On My Plate, I’ve had the opportunity to step into new worlds, learn from incredible individuals, and share stories that go far beyond the plate. This show is very special to me.”
The series promises strong visual storytelling, meaningful interactions and a fresh perspective on global cuisine celebrating flavours alongside the emotions and traditions that shape them.
In a world where travel shows often feel like distant postcards, Shipra Khanna is serving up something far more personal: a passport to cultures through their kitchens, proving that the best way to understand a place is still through the plate. Tune in to World On My Plate with Shipra Khanna starting 29 March at 7:00 PM on TLC.
