MUMBAI: The 24-hour test-run of Kerala's first round-the-clock news channel Indiavision started yesterday.
 

Promoted by Dr M K Muneer, who is also the leader of the state wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the channel was first expected to launch in 2001 but suffered a series of delays and is now slated for a 14 July launch.

The delay has been worth it, Muneer, who is Indiavision's chairman as well as Kerala works minister told a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. "While early birds like the CPI (M)-backed Kairali TV invested heavily on costly analogue equipment delaying its breakeven point, financial delays in beginning saved Indiavision at least Rs 4.6 million. Instead, the Indiavision company had invested in cost-efficient digital technology", Muneer told the media.

"Through private participation, more capital will be brought to Indiavision soon through equity and debt in 1:1 ratio," said Muneer. The channel's USP will be 24-hour news content. M V Nikesh Kumar, formerly with Asianet, has been appointed executive editor (news) at Indiavision.