NDTV-Astro Channels launched in Malaysia

Follows successful launch in Indonesia last year

Mumbai, 7 September 2007: NDTV and Astro, a leading south-east Asia media group have jointly announced the launch of Malaysia's first 24-hour news and information channel Astro Awani. Last year NDTV and Astro partnered for the hugely successful launch of Astro Awani in Indonesia, a 24-hour news, infotainment and lifestyle channel.

Astro Awani is Malaysia's first and only 24-hour news and information channel, and will be presented in the national language. With the tagline, 'Our Gateway to The World', Astro Awani will present international news, events and issues which are more relevant to the local viewers. NDTV has been responsible for the training of all editorial, production and technical staff of the channel, the systems integration, workflow and systems design and channel graphics.

Speaking on the launch, KVL Narayan Rao, CEO, NDTV Group said "NDTV's association with Astro has had a great start last year, with the success of Astro Awani in Indonesia. Now, we are delighted to come together again and provide viewers in Malaysia with a comprehensive look at news and topical issues. The channel is a tribute to NDTV's long standing commitment to delivering in-depth news and information-based programming."

Rohana Rozhan, Chief Executive Officer of Astro TV said, "From our observations, our customers want higher quality content in a form that is international news presented from a local perspective. To fulfil this demand, we are proud to introduce Astro Awani. It will feature global news, events and issues from a Malaysian perspective, and will be presented in the national language."

Astro Awani went on air on September 6, 2007 at 6:00 a.m. local time.