GBN Plans Regional News Channels; Bahl Denies Web18 Listing Plans, Looking For Intenet Acquisitions

The TV18 group intends to launch at least two more channels, and sees potential in the regional language space. Sameer Manchanda, Joint MD of Global Broadcast News has confirmed the same to exchange4media, though he didn’t elaborate on which regions they’re targetting, though he did say that they will stick to their core competency (news).
That might explain GBN being priced at between Rs.230 and Rs.250, in comparison with NDTV which is hovering around the Rs.300 mark. In comparison, however, NDTV has three channels and several online properties. GBN’s IBNlive.com was transferred to Web18 Holdings in exchange for a 15 percent stake. Web18 is also expected to list this year, though TV18 MD Raghav Bahl has denied any such plans (source: the Economic Times). They are on the lookout for Internet acquisitions for Web18, and funds are not an issue. What’s there to acquire, apart from domain names and maybe a team? I suppose that’s what TV18 is looking for – they probably feel that they can always facilitate traction.
Related:
Global Broadcast News To Raise Rs.105crore Via IPO; Sets Price Band Of Rs.230-Rs.250
IBNLive.com Transferred To Web 18 Holdings; Global Broadcast News Gets 15% In Lieu Of It

Disclaimer: I own an inconsequential number of shares of TV18

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