MUMBAI: Indian state-owned pubcaster Doordarshan is headed to Canada, the land of the maple leaf. And partnering it on its journey
there is Asian Television Network (ATN), Canada‘s largest south Asian broadcaster. ATN announced a short while ago that it would be launching five channels under a license agreement with DD in Canada.

The deal has ATN getting exclusive rights to the five television services, namely DD India, DD News, DD Bharati, DD Urdu and DD Sports. The channels will have the tag ATN added before them, according to a release issued by it.

Says DD director general Tipurari Sharan, "In Canada, Indians form one of the most respected and professionally accomplished communities who have kept their cultural roots intact while adapting to Canada and we have been striving to connect with the international audience rapidly. It gives me immense pleasure to announce our relationship with ATN for meeting this objective by distributing five of our main channels in Canada. Both ATN and DD have walked the extra mile in making this happen and I hope that this effort will help strengthen the feeling of togetherness through Doordarshan channels which are rich in cultural values, art, music, dance, entertainment and depict the crucible of culture, India has been for millennia."

ATN president & CEO Shan Chandrasekar adds, "India is the world‘s largest democracy and has a population of over a billion People. We are delighted to be associated with the launch of India‘s official national broadcaster Doordarshan which is similar to the BBC in the UK and CBC in Canada. We have aggressive plans to add substantial value to our diaspora and enhance our strong customer base on cable, satellite and credible distributors across Canada."

In addition to the existing subscriber base, with the launch of these new channels, ATN expects to gain new subscribers through cable, satellite and IPTV platforms across Canada.