MUMBAI: Seems like Zee UK is bitten by the festive bug, the Networks music channel, Zee Music's UK feed will now be free to air from 15 November. Also a revamp in the programming line up is in store to attract new subscribers to its bouquet of channels.

Currently a 1,66,000 strong subscriber base, both on DTH and cable, in the UK, the four channel (Zee TV, Zee Music, Zee Cinema and Alpha ETC Punjabi), bouquet is touted to be popular amongst the Asian community there.

Available on Sky Digital EPG 809, Zee Music and was the first Asian music channel to arrive in the UK four years ago. But recently, the music channel has been facing stiff competition from its biggest rival B4U Music, which is broadcasting free-to-air for several months now after a tough time gaining subscribers. Additionally to that, B4U has also introduced some new programming initiative, say media reports.

So with the holidays coming in, Zee Music's offer to go FTA seems to be a bid to allow them to promote their other offerings to potential subscribers. The officials however have not set any dates to revert back to being subscription based only.

Zee Music is looking at a complete overhaul in its programming line up. While a string of UK based shows including Sorted, Trendz and Hot Shots are facing the axe, Mutz Cutz-a weekly email request show will be extended to an hour. Zee Music officials are reported to have other "big" plans to garner further interest in the channel.

The new head of Zee Network in the UK & Europe, Subroto Bhattacharya, who has been in the position for five months, has additionally also committment to UK based programming and music shows, adds the reports.