Televisionpoint.com Correspondent | Bangalore
Suvarna News, a 24-hour Kannada news channel, will be officially launched on Monday, March 31, 2008. The channel's core principle is that being accurate and straightforward with unfaltering values, which is captured in the channel's philosophy of 'Nera Ditta Nirantara'.

The news channel would be packaged with an international look and feel. Proficient news anchors would host Suvarna News, making it a qualitative news experience in Kannada television. Covering every sphere of importance and interest for a Kannadiga, Suvarna News would have news bulletins, talk shows, and in-depth analysis revolving around politics, crime, sports, technology, automobile, trends and fashion, among others.

K Sanjay Prabhu, COO, Suvarna, said, "Suvarna News stands for transparent and unbiased journalism. Advanced visual and digital effects would provide for an unmatched quality viewing for the first time in the Kannada television medium. With our GEC and news channels, Suvarna would become the name for comprehensive infotainment for the complete family."

The editorial team of Suvarna News is led by Shashidhar Bhat, who says, "Our team comes with the values of accuracy and boldness. What the audience will get to see on Suvarna News will be 'Nera Ditta Nirantara'."

To coincide with the launch of the 24-hour news channel, the company is instituting an award, Suvarna Kannadiga, to recognise outstanding contribution towards Karnataka in the field of sports, literature, technology, health, philanthropy, business, art and culture. The inaugural award will be given to Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, Director of Kidwai Institute of Oncology, who has been chosen through an extensive SMS poll, on March 31.

Asianet Communications Limited, a part of Rajeev Chandrasekhar promoted Jupiter Entertainment Ventures, has invested Rs 110 crore for the launch of two Suvarna channels in Kannada and hopes to break-even in two years.

Suvarna News is the second channel to be launched under the Suvarna brand umbrella. Suvarna's general entertainment channel was launched in June 2007 to coincide with the golden jubilee of the formation of Karnataka state.