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Mi Marathi appears in new avatar, news to drive content
MUMBAI: Broadcast Initiatives Ltd’s (BIL) new owners have introduced many changes to their flagship channel Mi Marathi. The erstwhile general entertainment channel (GEC) catering to Marathi audience is now donning a new look with a lot of emphasis on news content.
Mi Marathi has hired a posse of eminent journalists from the Marathi news industry to drive its news content. The team of experienced journos will cover several news segments including politics, economy, films and entertainment besides general news.
Editor-in-chief Ravindra Ambekar is at the helm of affairs while Tulsidas Bhoite has taken charge as the channel’s managing editor. Well-known print journalist Kumar Ketkar is on board in the capacity of consulting editor. It may be recalled that last year HDIL Infra Project (HIPL) offloaded its entire stake in BIL which operates Hindi news channel Live India and Marathi entertainment channel Mi Marathi. On 26 September 2013, HIPL expedited the sale of its stake in BIL to Pune-based Prosperity Agro India Ltd (PAIL).
The deal was entered through an SPA with HDIL and other individuals from the promoter group. On 10 October 2013, PAIL agreed to pay Rs 50.05 million to HIPL for acquiring a 52.03 per cent stake in BIL. BIL was originally promoted by Shri Adhikari Brothers. The founder-promoters sold the company to Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan and his family, the promoters of HDIL, in 2008. HIPL was allotted six million equity shares (face value Rs 10 each) of BIL at a price up to Rs 36.50 per share on a preferential basis for a total consideration of Rs 219 million.
Incidentally, there are three main players in the Marathi news market—ABP Majha, Zee 24 Taas and IBN Lokmat. Other players include TV9 Maharashtra and Jai Maharashtra. Saam TV also airs news content. ETV Marathi used to air popular news capsules. However, following its acquisition by TV18, the channel has stopped airing news.
Read more at: http://televisionpost.com/television/mi-marathi-appears-in-new-avatar-news-to-drive-content/ | TelevisionPost.com
