http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200808041552.htm
Murdoch to invest US$100 millions in India TV New Delhi (AP): Rupert Murdoch's Star Group Ltd. will invest US$100 million to launch six new regional television channels in India, Murdoch announced on Monday. Speaking at a press conference in India's financial capital, Mumbai, Murdoch said the group would roll out the expansion over the next year. Star currently operates 17 channels in India, including some regional channels, catering to India's many different ethnic groups. ``We've been planning regional channels for quite a while,'' Vasudha Jha, vice president of corporate communications for Star India, said by phone from Mumbai. ``The regional channels are gaining a lot of viewership and critical mass. It has become critical to be in the regional space.'' Murdoch arrived in India July 30 and met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, head of the ruling Congress party, before traveling to Mumbai for meetings with Star Group executives. He is expected to leave later on Monday. The Star Group, which is owned by News Corp., broadcasts over 60 television services in ten languages to more than 300 million viewers in 53 Asian countries.
