But we want to spread out as fast as possible," said Sri Adhikari BrothersTelevision Network joint managing director Markand Adhikari. The companyhas appointed Satellite Management Group (SMG) for assisting the channel'sinternational distribution. SMG, which has 43 dealers, is also responsiblefor the channel's distribution in the country. The recently launchedchannel, has signed carriage deals with the major cable networks in thecountry.

"Our prime focus in the first six months is on distribution. We are beingcarried by the leading multi-system operators like SitiCable, INCablenet andHathway Cable & Datacom," said Adhikari. SABe TV is planning to launch 15new programmes after four months. The channel kick-started on April 23 with80 per cent original programming in prime time between 7.30-10 pm. "Westarted with 30 new programmes. We attracted seven big advertisers likeColgate India, Coca Cola, Nirma, Marico Industries and Johnson and Johnsonfrom the first day of our operations," said Adhikari.

Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network is targeting a turnover of Rs 125crore this financial year. Doordarshan will largely contribute to this. "Weare expecting to earn Rs 65-70 crore from our DD operations. This will bearound 114 per cent increase from last year," Adhikari said. The company hasacquired a half-hour prime-time band for three continuous days, beginningTuesday. It has paid a minimum guarantee of Rs 17 lakh for the three-dayhalf-hour prime time slots. This is substantially higher than DD's earliertelecast fee of Rs 6lakh for the same slots.