The Aroon Purie-promoted TV Today, which runs Hindi news channel Aaj Tak and English news channel Headlines Today, is considering another news channel.
"We are evaluating the possibility and market for another channel. It will be a news channel, which is our core competence," G Krishnan, chief executive, said.
According to Krishnan, the new channel will hit the market only after the existing channels consolidate their position. Krishnan said Aaj Tak, which has completed 10 years of operations, is now looking at expanding its base to new markets.
He said the company was looking at offering channels on platforms other than cable. It is in talks with direct-to-home service providers to start services on various platforms.
"We are talking to various licence holders. We are also looking at options such as broadband and others," Krishnan said.
TV Today is also expanding its operations in international markets as well. Its channels, which are available in the Middle East, will soon be available on various platforms in the US and in Europe. "We are in discussions with various service providers in these two markets," he said.
The company is also looking at expanding its revenue by adopting a subscription-based model. This is, however, not expected to take place in the immediate future.
"Eventually we will have to look at subscription revenue too. That will help us ensure a steady revenue base," Krishnan said.
The television news broadcasting sector has seen a sudden rush of channels, with new entrants launching a number of channels, across various segments.
As per industry estimates, the overall advertising pie for news channels have grown over six fold to Rs 650 crore (Rs 6.5 billion) in the last five years. Industry is of the view that, as a result of the new launches, news channels, which are predominantly free to air now, will have to turn pay to ensure steady revenue.
