Bengaluru: The Karnataka based Writemen Media Private Limited, which owns the Kannada news channel Public TV is contemplating for expansion is Kannada Market with the launch of “Public Music”, a 24-hour Kannada music channel on 28th September. It is understood that Harish Nagaraju, Editorial Head, Public Music, will spearhead the new music channel under the leadership of veteran journalist H R Ranganath, CMD of Writemen Media Private Limited.
Speaking on the launch, Ranganath said, “Public music has a vast repertoire of songs spanning genres, targeting the youth. The music channel will also aim to promote Kannada music culture by its interactive and engaging line-up of shows.”
Movie-based songs will comprise 80 per cent of the content, with devotional songs making up for the rest. Public Music will also give an opportunity to Kannada bands to showcase their music on the channel.
Public Music will compete with Udaya, Raj and Polimer Music channels for eyeballs. But C K Harish Kumar, COO, Public TV said, “There are other players in the field, but we will be the only Kannada origin music channel in this category. We are better tuned to the requirements of our viewers.”
Nagaraju said the mix of genres gives Public Music an edge over its rivals. “We are the fourth music channel in the Kannada space. But, what makes us different is that we offer not only movie-based music, also light music including devotional songs, band music, folk songs and classical music.”
The programmes are a mix of dial-in shows, with a focus on women, nostalgia, scoops and news from the film and music industry.
The channel has roped in Intex Smartphone as the lead sponsor, while other national brands include Nikon and Denver Deodorant apart from local retailers such as Indulekha, V3 Slim Care, Nandini Milk, Vibes, Jaipur Gems, Swastik Foods, Lunars, Conva Mart, Roopam Silks and Sparsh Masala.
Public Music Promotional activities include hoardings at bus stands and railway stations; mobile hoarding panels in auto-rickshaw back panel and social Media promotions in Facebook, twitter and whatsapp. The launch is also being promoted through on-air promotions in the group’s news channel .