Meher Khanna - Televisionpoint.com
The Telugu news and features channel TV9 will launch TV9 Karnataka, a Kannada language channel on June 22 with coverage across Karnataka and news inputs from Andhra Pradesh region.

TV9 Karnataka positioning uses the tag line 'Close to your heart (English translation of the original kannada tag line)' and, according to TV9 Karnataka Managing Director SVL Narayan, it will target young urban Kannada viewers. Albeit, a regional language, the look and feel will be that of international TV channel, he says.

Narayan also said TV9 Karnataka would be a strong addition to the company's stable of media assets, providing a wider range of content to consumers and greater cross-media solutions to advertisers. TV9's launch is seen as timely as the people of Karnataka represent the most sought-after market among southern advertisers, he feels.

A campaign is being developed by an ad agency, which is scheduled to launch in May this year, encouraging potential viewers to get connected to the network and get in aegis with TV9. The campaign is a TV-driven one, and also includes print executions, a special week long campaign is made exclusively for The Times of India Bangalore and Deccan Herald.

For record note, TV9 is funded by Srini Raju's I-Labs and Associated Fund and Wealth Management. The company will invest about Rs 20 Crores in the venture for infrastructure and other facilities.