New Indian channel to highlight expat issues

The new Indian channel to be launched by Insight Media City (IMC) in Kerala will highlight the pressing issues of nearly five million Indian expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, said Alungal Muhammed, CMD of Al-Abeer Group and one of the promoters of the media city. Addressing a press conference, he said a large number of non-resident Indians (NRIs), especially businessmen, have shown their interest to invest in the Rs 5 billion project. “We also expect a large number of Saudi and Gulf businessmen to invest in this first-of-its kind media city,” he added. The promoters have purchased 27 acres of land in Ernakulam district to establish the new city where other media organizations would be allowed to open their offices and studios. “We intend to start 14 media ventures including two television stations and an international media college,” said Alungal, who is also chairman of the news channel. The promoters said they are expecting a profit margin of 20 percent, adding that they would be able to pay dividends to shareholders in the sixth year of operation. “This is a never-before opportunity for value creation and engaging with new age technology and processes, with seven fold returns by 2020,” Alungal said. Sreekandan Nair, managing director, said IMC has all the potentials to become one of the leading media cities in the world. “Our media school will have advanced training facilities and will provide PG, degree and diploma courses. We expect many students from Middle Eastern countries.” Gokulam Gopalan, chairman of Flowers entertainment channel and chairman of Gokulam Group, said his group decided to support the venture as part of its corporate social responsibility. “The new channels will promote moral and social values and fight corruption,” he added. Flowers will commence telecasting its programs in February while the 24/7 news channel will go on air in April and the media school will function in September, said Nair, adding that the school would have a capacity to accommodate 1,000 students. “It will be the first school to provide on-the-job training in TV activities.” Khaled Almaeena, brand ambassador of Al-Abeer Educity, also attended the press conference. Over 100 stakeholders have invested in the project along side key promoters including Vidhya Vinod, CEO of Study World Education Holding, B. Govindan, CMD of Bhima Jewellers, A.M. Arun, chairman of Vasan Eye Care Group in Chennai, Devies Edukulathur, chairman of Bludan Trading, Satish Pillai, executive director of Galfar Group and T.A. Sundar Menon, chairman of Sun International Group. Arab News