TV & Radio Sri Lanka

Channel One MTV to rebrand as "MTV Sports"

2012-01-26T12:43:00.003+05:30

Channel One MTV is to be rebranded as "MTV Sports" with effect from today. Although not a dedicated sports channel it will focus mainly on sports plus a mixture of entertainment, lifestyle & business programming plus News 1st updates during it's 18hr broadcast.

In addition they have secured the rights to launch the local version of "Who wants to be a millionaire". Competition among the two sports channels CSN (Carlton Sports Network) & MTV Sports is expected to heat up. Most of the important sports content involving Sri Lanka is telecast by the SLRC "Channel Eye" owing to their superior coverage. However with CSN entering the scene some policies have changed, some of which the Maharaja's are hoping to capitalise on and it is highly likely that we may see more channels taking on a sports outlook.

However the sad thing is that "MTV Sports" like "CSN" will not be a full time sports channel at least for the moment. In addition MTV Sports coverage should be improved on par with SLRC or CSN if they are to be a truly vie for rights for sports contents involving Sri Lanka.

With the Olympics games to be held in London this year it will interesting to see who acquires the broadcast rights for this important event. This undoubtedly good for Sri Lanka since sports was a genre strictly restricted to the pay television segment & some of these channels should start broadcasting sporting events such as Rugby, Formula 1, Football which are some of the events which do not involve Sri Lanka but have a considerable following in this nation.

It is highly likely that the SLRC "Channel Eye" channel would also be rebranded & take on a sports centered name in order to stay on top of the game when it comes to sports broadcasts in Sri Lanka.

Daily FT 26th Jan 2012 : Channel One out, MTV Sports in

Happy & Prosperous New Year 2012

2011-12-31T17:53:00.000+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers the management and staff of all media institutions in Sri Lanka,

"A Happy & Prosperous New Year 2012"

"Hiru TV" test transmissions now on

2011-12-28T23:01:00.000+05:30

Sri Lanka's latest television channel Hiru TV will be launching soon on Dialog TV & PEO TV. The channel is currently carrying out test transmissions on both the pay television networks now for a few weeks. The exact launch date is not known but it could be somewhere in January 2012.

With Hiru TV the ABC Group which is well known for it's radio stations will be be foraying into the television industry. At the moment we are unable to ascertain whether this channel will be available FTA sometime in the future or whether it will cater solely to the pay television market.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Hiru TV as the days progress.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T17:14:00.003+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers and the management and staff of all media institutions in Sri Lanka.

"A Very Merry Christmas"

Star Movies Asia to be rebranded as "Fox Movies Premium"

2011-12-05T09:14:00.001+05:30

Star Movies Asia which is available on all locally operated pay television networks is to be rebranded as "Fox Movies Premium" on Jan 1st 2012 in certain regions. This Asian feed of the channel is only available on the locally operated pay networks since the Indian DTH providers carry the Indian feed, it's not clear exactly when or whether Star Movies India will be rebranded.

New live content is expected to be added to Fox Movies Premium & all existing Star Movies subscribers would be upgraded to the new channel according to press release.

It is not 100% clear whether the rebranding will be effective in this region as well or whether it will continue to broadcast as "Star Movies" Asian feed into this region, since certain other regions such as "Taiwan" & "Phillipines" will continue to get the channel as "Star Movies" even after Jan 1st 2012.

If the rebranding does occur we hope that Fox International Channels will continue to provide Fox Movies Premium in Sri Lanka as it did with Star Movies Asia will not ask pay networks in Sri Lanka to switch to Star Movies India which is of much lower quality compared to Star Movies Asia. In addition we hope Fox International Channels will consider switching all pay networks in Sri Lanka from Star World India which is adding more pathetic Indian content to it's lineup to Star World Asia & release the "FOX" channel Asia to this region.

Press Release : Star Movies to be replaced with premium product

Neo Sports - Dog in the manger attitude

2011-09-22T10:47:00.001+05:30

Neo Sports, the Indian Sports broadcaster seems to be having more than it can handle on it's plate and have a dog in the manger attitude when it comes to the broadcast of the Rugby World Cup in the subcontinent. Neo Sports which were granted exclusive rights for the subcontinent are only taking into consideration the Indian public when it comes to the broadcast. An attitude endorsed by all other Indian Sports broadcasters.

Over the last weekend the Davis Cup was given preference over the Rugby matches played, maybe in India the Davis Cup is more popular but in Sri Lanka the Rugby World Cup is more popular. Although Neo Sports runs two channels with Neo Cricket telecasting mostly reruns of old cricket matches specifically those that India won, they would be doing the Rugby fans a big favour by stopping broadcasts of the old cricket reruns and moving some of the rugby content or Davis content to Neo Cricket and telecasting all the Rugby matches without interruption. If not they can at least share some of the rights with another sports channel.

We hope the IRB would give serious consideration to the plight of the Rugby fans in Sri Lanka & the rest of the subcontinent when an exclusive rights holder doesn't live up to their expectations. In the future rights for India should be awarded separately and for countries like Sri Lanka a sports broadcaster such as Setanta/Eurosports which is not influenced by India should be granted the rights for broadcasting the matches.

This not only stands true for Rugby but for all other non cricketing sporting content. We hope that the controlling bodies for all other sports would take note and do the needful. For the Rugby this time round it might be too late to do anything at all, if possible the IRB should strictly inform their exclusive rights holders to broadcast all the matches or strip them of the rights immediately and hand them over to broadcasters who are not influenced by India.

Everlasting Radio launched

2011-09-22T10:24:00.003+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest English Language Radio Station hit the airwaves on FM 97.0 over the least weekend. The channel run by MJF media have also planned a Sinhala Language radio station & TV Channel in the near future.

Many radio stations have been popping up in Sri Lanka like little mushrooms but sadly only to wither away in a few months/years. Only the major high profile broadcasters have been able to carry on broadcasting and make an impact. The coverage of Everlasting Radio is verging on pathetic with some grey areas within Colombo and even worse as you move out of colombo.

The frequency FM 97.0 has changed hands a couple of times already & we hope that Everlasting Radio would be able to make an effective impact on the Sri Lankan Media Industry.

Everlasting Radio website : http://www.everlasting.lk/

Channel Eye telecasts Rugby World Cup

2011-09-15T11:00:00.000+05:30

Channel Eye Sri Lanka's premier Sports broadcaster has begun broadcasting the Rugby World Cup 2011 via Neo Sports on a link obtained from PEO TV according to reports. Usually local channels telecast the Rugby World Cup from the knockout stages and this is the first time that the matches played in the round robin stage are also being telecast by a local channel.

This is indeed good news for local Rugby enthusiasts with no pay television access. However due to Channel Eye telecasting the Australian tour of Sri Lanka during the Third Test match, Rugby enthusiasts may experience an interruption to the rugby action so we believe that Channel Eye should move the matches to Rupavahini or share rights with CSN who can telecast the matches that Channel Eye is unable to.

Max Television relauched

2011-09-09T12:10:00.001+05:30

After an unsuccessful couple of years Max Television has now relaunched, this time as a 24hr English Language Television channel.

Only time will tell whether the new look Max Television will be successful or not. At present there are 5 English Language television channels and Max the 6th entrant would have to compete with the likes of ETV, Art TV, Channel One MTV, NTV & CSN. In addition Max will have competition from international cable television channels.

The days ahead for Max Television are not easy but they will have to focus on the non cable television subscribing English Language entertainment starved community in Sri Lanka and they could compete with the Cable TV networks by introducing programming not generally available on Cable networks in Sri Lanka.

We wish Max Television all the best in it's future endeavors.

Max Television : www.maxtelevision.lk

Maharaja's humbled & now on PEO TV

2011-08-19T10:53:00.002+05:30

According to sources Maharaja channels Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV & Channel One MTV are now on PEO TV.

The channels are said to have been added from yesterday.

To read more on this please visit the link given below

PEO TV : New channels on PEO TV but they are local FTA Maharaja Ones

Rangiri TV now testing

2011-07-21T12:57:00.002+05:30

Reports are reaching us that Rangiri TV is now testing on UHF 47. We are unable to report on which area the test transmissions can be received.

Please keep is updated on the latest regarding Rangiri TV as the days progress.

Max TV & Max Radio to relaunch as English Language channels

2011-07-21T12:47:00.003+05:30

Reports are coming in that Max TV will relaunch in september & Max Radio will relaunch in october as total English language channels.

At present Max TV is telecasting Al Jazeera on it's frequencies and we expect it to retain Al Jazeera after the relaunch whilst telecasting other programming.

These reports are coming amidst reports that ITN is looking at moving Prime TV into a separate frequency & Prime Radio is planning on making a comeback. There is a chance that Prime TV and Radio may use the present Max TV & Radio frequencies to relaunch their respective channels, however this is cannot be confirmed.

It is highly likely that Max TV & Max Radio may launch a totally new TV & Radio station. We expect the channels to be rebranded.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Max TV & Max Radio as the days progress.

Sky Television & Radio Network

2011-06-08T08:52:00.002+05:30

Recently information has surfaced about a brand new television & radio network due to launch in Sri Lanka in the near future. The network called Sky Television & Radio Network has it's website www.sky.lk already hosted with the words "Coming Soon" on the home page.

No other details are available about this network, therefore we request our fellow bloggers to keep us updated with information when they receive them.

Hiru TV to launch

2011-06-07T10:21:00.002+05:30

ABC Network is set to launch Hiru TV in october this year. The channel is set to broadcast on a 24 hour basis according to initial reports. The programming contents have not been divulged at the moment and no indication of whether the channel will conduct digital or analog transmissions.

ABC which recently relaunched Sun FM after it being shutdown for more than a year is struggling to get Sun FM to be the top notch station that it was.

With Sha FM set to relaunch soon, it should be interesting to see how ABC Network performs with the upcoming television network.

New tower commissioned in kokavil

2011-06-07T10:09:00.005+05:30

The new transmission tower commissioned at kokavil yesterday is set to contain transmission equipment to facilitate DVB-T transmissions. Reportedly state owned channel Rupavahini is set to broadcast initially on DVB-T. This is a major step in digital broadcasting in Sri Lanka since the analog frequencies are getting very crowded.

We hope the private television stations will follow suit and commence DVB-T transmissions to the north too and we hope the new broadcasting tower to be commissioned in peliyagoda is equipped with such facilities.

Specially local radio stations should move to digital transmission soon in order to provide a clear reception for the local public without any frequency overlaps.

However the lack of DVB-T and DVB-A receiving equipment means that only a few people would have the priviledge of receiving these transmissions. We hope steps are taken to provide people with low priced receiving equipment to view DVB transmissions.

SUBA ALUTH AWURUDDAK WEWA

2011-04-12T12:07:00.001+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers, staff & management of all media institutions in Sri Lanka a Happy New Year.

SUBA ALUTH AWURUDDAK WEWA

Please keep us updated on the latest as the days progress.

Sri Lanka's 1st sports channel launched

2011-03-07T21:48:00.002+05:30

CSN (Carlton Sports Network) has replaced Prime TV over FTA & on all pay television networks that Prime TV was available on. CSN becomes the first locally operated sports channel in the country & it is still expected to retain some of the Prime TV programming giving it a more of a sports & lifestyle channel genre.

This channel is expected to broadcast many of the local big matches as well as school sports events in the near future.

Website : Carlton Sports Network - http://www.csn.lk/

Sports Channel "CSN" to launch soon plus "Prime TV" to relaunch on Mar 07th

2011-03-02T09:59:00.004+05:30

Sri Lanka's first sports channel "Carlton Sports Network" will be launching soon on UHF 22 along with "Prime TV".

Presently testing in underway on UHF 22 and the launch is expected on Mar 07th 2011.

The two channels "Prime TV" & "Carlton Sports Network" will be carrying out transmissions on the same frequency. As of last night "Prime TV" went off air on Dialog TV, we believe that it has been permanently removed.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding these channels as the days progress.

RBNL looking to expand to Sri Lanka

2011-03-02T09:36:00.003+05:30

RBNL (Reliance Broadcasting Network Limited) is considering to expand into Sri Lanka plus other countries in the subcontinent. RBNL which launched Big CBS Prime in partnership with CBS Studios International will be launching two new channels Love & Spark during the month of March.

According to press reports RBNL have already sought downlinking permission and is in the process of negotiating with pay television operating in several countries. RBNL have the added advantage in countries such as Sri Lanka since they do not require to apply for downlink permission unlike in India & Pakistan plus they do not have to pay carriage fees for the channel for distribution on local pay networks.

The entry of RBNL in Sri Lanka should be completed during this calendar year.

Source : Economic Times of India - RBNL Plans to launch channels in neighbouring countries

Setanta Sports enters Sri Lanka via LBN with exclusive Rugby content

2011-02-08T09:07:00.003+05:30

Setanta Sports Asia has entered the Sri Lankan market via LBN cable TV with some exclusive Rugby content. In a country where Rugby is closely followed it is a real treat to have this channel. Due to the popularity of Rugby in the country a channel the sports channel Setanta Sports Asia has been well received.

Many of the major sports network in this region which are India centric have been focusing on cricket very heavily which is good for all fans of cricket but Setanta have decided to focus on Rugby and this is indeed good news for all Rugby fans in the island. Sadly Setanta is only available on LBN which is limited in coverage and the big shot pay television operators such as Dialog & PEO TV have failed in acquiring the rights to broadcast this channel so far. However Setanta has expressed interest in expanding to Sri Lanka and we hope the pay operators are able to introduce the channel within a short period of time.

Website : Setanta Sports Asia

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T16:29:00.001+05:30

We take this opportunity to thank our fellow bloggers who have been with us throughout 2010 & continued to update us with the latest happenings in the media industry in Sri Lanka & wish them, the management & staff of all media institutions in Sri Lanka a

"Happy & Prosperous New Year 2011"

Sun rises on Jan 1st

2010-12-31T16:26:00.002+05:30

Sun FM is launching tomorrow morning as per the trailers and information on their facebook page. This is a station that avid radio listeners missed over the past year. We wish Sun FM all the best as they rise again in Sri Lanka's airwaves.

Web Site : http://www.sunfm.lk/

Sun FM to relaunch on January 1st 2011

2010-12-24T12:12:00.002+05:30

Information reaching us suggests that Sun FM will relaunch on January 1st 2011. The frequency is 98.8FM, we are not sure what their kandy & islandwide frequencies will be but hopefully they will be activated over the Christmas weekend.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding Sun FM as the days progress.

"Merry Christmas To You All"

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T17:59:00.001+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish our fellow bloggers, management & staff of all media organisations in Sri Lanka a "Very Merry Christmas".

"Merry Christmas To You All"

Illegal Cable TV stations raided, next Indian DTH vendors?

2010-11-30T13:01:00.003+05:30

Several Cable television companies which operate without the permission of the TRC are being raided by the police over the last several days. The raids are taking place in several parts of the island. Information suggest that the police & TRC are acting on complaints by companies such as LBN, Dialog TV and PEO TV about these unlicensed operators.

At the moment many small scale wireline operators are being raided. Information reaching us suggests that steps may be taken to raid resellers of Indian DTH services such as Dish TV, etc. Even though the TRC can do little to stop Indian DTH operators due to the close proximity of Sri Lanka to India enabling reception of Indian services to Sri Lanka with minimum effort and equipment they may target the vendors of these equipment since some of them do reselling without TRC approval. Even those who have permission, we are made to understand may not have the license to resell equipment of a pay television operator.

This would indeed be a blow to the pay television subscribers who are already being charged heavily by the local companies and who would be burdened further by the new taxes coming into effect from 2011.

98.8FM most certainly Sun FM

2010-10-08T09:53:00.003+05:30

There has been so much of talk on whether 98.8FM will be Sun FM or Sha FM, however we can most certainly say that this is Sun FM. Testing is being carried out continuous using English music which indicates that this is a English Language Radio Station.

In addition we believe that this channel is being broadcast from the WTC. The channel is reportedly clear inside colombo city limits and we can confirm that coverage along the Negombo Road is the same as Gold FM. Only channels broadcast from the WTC have been able to maintain high levels of clarity along the Negombo Road.

We believe it is safe to assume that this is Sun 98.8FM or who knows maybe Gold FM will be shifted to 98.8FM and it will be back to Sun 99.9FM.

Please keep us updated on the latest as the days progress.

Updated : DJ's are sporting the Sun FM Logo on Facebook - Oct 8th @ 10:40am

Jay Walker Sunfm
Lara on Sun

Amazing Race Asia Season 4 touches down in Sri Lanka

2010-10-08T09:26:00.002+05:30

"The Amazing Race Asia", the Asian Edition of the one of the biggest reality shows in the US "The Amazing Race", touched down in Sri Lanka in a surprising move. Challenges were held in various locations in & around colombo. The pit stop for this leg of the race was the Independence Square and the next leg of the race which will be telecast next week is scheduled to begin in Sri Lanka with more challenges taking place.

The US Edition of "The Amazing Race" touched down in Sri Lanka several years ago on a short stop over, this is however a much longer visit.

It was a treat to see our locals from fisher folk to garment factories getting involved in the show's challenges. The major set back was the shameful display by our Trishaw drivers who kept over charging the contestants by charging them whopping amounts such as Rs 900/= to Rs 3000/= for hires within Colombo.

The Amazing Race Asia is telecast over AXN Asia which is available in Sri Lanka on LBN & Dialog TV.

ABC testing 98.8FM -> Sun FM?

2010-10-05T13:34:00.003+05:30

Asian Broadcasting Corporation is testing 98.8FM and we expect Sun FM to resume transmissions on the frequency. The location of the broadcast tower is not confirmed as yet. At the moment they are testing the channel using non stop English Music. The transmission is not as powerful as those of Gold FM but it may improve over the next few days.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding these test transmissions.

Zee Sports rebrands as Ten Action

2010-09-24T09:20:00.002+05:30

Zee Sports was rebranded as Ten Action with effect from yesterday. As per this move Ten Action will be a football centric channel.

This is the third channel to be released to the Ten Sports stable, the second being Ten Cricket. It is rumoured that Taj Television is in talks with the Golf Channel in order to launch a golf centric channel in the Indian sub continent owing to the increasing popularity of Golf in this region.

Therefore all cricketing content from Ten Sports has moved to Ten Cricket and now all football has moved to Ten Action. If there are two cricket matches or two football matches at the same time then Ten Sports will also be broadcasting Cricket or football content otherwise these new channels will continue to broadcast whats related to them. Shows like Wrestling, Golf, Tennis, Moto GP will continue to be broadcast on Ten Sports.

Ten Action is available in Sri Lanka on LBN & Dialog TV.

Sun FM & Sha FM to launch on October 1st

2010-09-21T08:59:00.002+05:30

According to information being received, Sun FM and Sha FM will be recommencing transmissions on October 1st after being halted for over one year. Sun will be on 92.4 FM and Sha will be on 98.8 FM.

We are however unable to clarify the accuracy of this information but as of now test transmissions are yet not available on these two frequencies.

Sun FM, Sha FM to relaunch?

2010-09-17T14:53:00.002+05:30

Rumors are afoot that Sun FM & Sha FM will be launching soon. Sha FM is expected to launch before the end of this year but an approximate Sun FM launch date is not available.

There have been earlier rumors about prospective launches of these channels which led the market in their respective fields.

The rumors are based on rumors of allocation to ABC radio by the TRC of new frequencies. However these channels are not expected to be able to have the coverage prior to their controversial shutdown and equally controversial relaunch due to frequency allocation blunders by the TRC.

Hallmark Channel Asia & Zee Sports to rebrand

2010-09-17T14:45:00.002+05:30

Hallmark Channel Asia will be rebranding as Diva Universal from Sept 19th 2010 & Zee Sports will be rebranded as Ten Action soon.

With the rebranding to Diva Universal new programmes are expected such as Top Chef and new seasons of The Biggest Looser Asia.

Ten Action will be a football focused channel and all Ten Sports football programming will move to Ten Action. This channel will compliment Taj Television's bouquet of channels now comprising of Ten Sports & Ten Cricket.

Ten Action will be available on Dialog TV and LBN. Diva Universal will be available on Dialog TV and LBN.

Now also on "twitter.com/tvradiosrilanka"

2010-09-02T15:30:00.003+05:30

Hey fellow bloggers we are happy to announce that we have officially launched on twitter. We will be using twitter to keep you guys updated with quick posts and use blogger for the more detailed posts.

Posts made on the blogs will be tweeted also and one twitter account will serve all three blogs.

We kindly request our fellow bloggers to join on the twitter bandwagon.

http://twitter.com/tvradiosrilanka

AXN available FTA

2010-09-02T14:09:00.002+05:30

We are receiving reports that international action oriented channel AXN is available in Sri Lanka on a FTA basis on VHF. There are several editions of AXN available in this region mainly AXN Singapore and AXN India. Pay television operators in Sri Lanka (Dialog TV & LBN) carry the Singapore edition, we are not sure whether FTA broadcast is rebroadcasting the Singapore edition or Indian edition.

We request our fellow bloggers who have been available to receive this channel, to update us with this information.

Discovery Travel & Living rebrands as TLC

2010-09-02T09:34:00.002+05:30

Discovery Travel & Living has rebranded as "TLC" from yesterday. The new channel has retained some of its former programming and will focus more on lifestyle programming. In addition it will there will be an increase in cookery related programming that target the feminine side.

Discovery Travel & Living, Hallmark Channel to be rebranded

2010-08-12T14:33:00.002+05:30

Discovery Travel & Living the lifestyle channel of Discovery Networks will be rebranded as "TLC " commencing September 1st 2010. "TLC" which stood for "The Learning Channel" earlier has moved away from its initial concept and positioned itself as a lifestyle channel. This is part of a global initiative by Discovery Networks to roll out TLC globally.

Hallmark Channel will be rebranded as "DIVA Universal" on 19th September 2010. The channel will be introducing a wide range of new programmes such as "Top Chef" & will be introducing new season of programmes such "The Biggest Looser Asia". With it's launch DIVA Universal will be the first Universal brand channel to be available in Sri Lanka.

Ten Sports to launch Ten Cricket, a Golf & football channel on the way

2010-08-06T10:10:00.002+05:30

Ten Cricket is to launch on Aug 10, 2010. This is the second Ten branded channel in the region. Zee Television which owns a major share in Ten Sports is planning to launch a Golf & Zee Sports rebrand as a football channel.

So Ten is ramping up its presence in this region. Sadly local pay television operators Dialog TV, PEO TV, LBN are very slow in adding new channels. Let's see who adds the channel first and increases their lead or narrows the gap with the leader.

ABC gets new frequencies.. Sun & Sha FM to return???

2010-08-06T10:06:00.003+05:30

ABC Radio has been able to get some new frequencies in their bag. Out of all this there are two notable ones in Colombo. We are not sure but it looks like the new ones are for Sun FM and Sha FM.

Rumours flying on our blog and other forums suggest that this could be the case, however we cannot be certain.

Please keep us updated on the latest regarding this trend.

We are still here!!!!

2010-08-06T10:05:00.000+05:30

Fellow bloggers, it's been a long time since we made a post & we have been keeping up with the recent trends in the media but sadly we have not had the time to concentrate on this blog. We noticed that endless spamming is taking place, driving some of our fellow bloggers away however we thank our dear bloggers who are still making use of this blog to share information even though we have not done our part for a long time.

We thank you for continuing to use this blog & we will do our utmost best to do our part in maintaining this blog by keeping it updated. We will also take all necessary steps required to delete spam.

New Radio Station spotted on 97.3 FM

2010-04-21T09:20:00.002+05:30

A new English Language Radio station can be heard on 97.3 FM. The transmissions are not that clear. It could be another frequency for YOUR Radio which was testing on 88.3 FM or it could be another new Radio channel altogether.

CCTV 9 now on FTA basis

2010-04-21T09:14:00.002+05:30

Over the last few days a new television was spotted on UHF 30 broadcasting on an on & off basis carrying Chinese programming. According to reports reaching us as of last night this channel has been broadcasting uninterrupted. the channel is said to relaying CCTV 9 programming. CCTV 9 is presently available in Sri Lanka via a few pay television operators.

The channel has been viewed clearly in and around colombo & its suburbs but we are not sure of the coverage out of the suburban region.

Please keep us updated on the latest on this channel as the days progress.

YOUR Radio - coming soon

2010-03-23T09:33:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's latest English Language Radio channel part of VIS broadcasting "YOUR Radio" will commence broadcasting soon on 88.3 FM. Presently test transmission of "YOUR Radio" are taking place during the course of the day.

Website : http://www.yourradionet.com/

ETV censoring local news

2010-03-17T15:07:00.004+05:30

Reports are coming in of censorship being carried out by local FTA channel ETV. It seems that whenever Sri Lanka related news is being carried on Channel News Asia, ETV censors it. ETV a member of the EAP Edirisinghe Group of Companies most likely wants to obtain the favor of the government.

So far no public announcement has been made by the GOSL asking channels to censor Sri Lanka related news over the international media. Reports of such censoring on other media have not come in as yet. ETV is depriving the general public's right to obtain views on Sri Lanka from different sources.

How can a responsible media institution operated by a high profile group such as the EAP Group, resort to such third grade tactics to obtain government favor?

We urge the Board of Directors of EAP Group to instruct ETV to stop such censorship or all members of the company including the Directors of the group including the Chairperson of the Group Mrs Soma Edirisinghe will be seen as puppets that dance to the tune of the Sri Lankan Government. ETV is management by Vanguard Management Services which is also a part of the EAP Group.

Dan TV disturbing with NTV and Vasantham TV

2010-03-01T09:47:00.002+05:30

According to reports reaching us, Dan TV transmissions are disturbing NTV and Vasantham TV on UHF. Several viewers are complaining of the disturbance and have informed the TRC too which is as usual not willing to take any action.

The disturbance of E FM transmission outside colombo was highlighted on this blog several months ago and a few days later TRC frequency monitoring vehicles were seen heading towards Negombo but no action has been taken to rectify the matter.

So the TRC seems powerless to monitor their own frequency allocation, which is a sad situation indeed.

We hope steps are taken to rectify these situations otherwise, we will have so many channels all disturbing each other so badly that no one will be able to enjoy these channels.

Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-29T13:51:00.000+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish the Management & Staff of all media institutions in Sri Lanka, our fellow bloggers a "Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2010". We thank you for your contribution towards making this blog a wonderful success and for continuing to update this blog with the latest news and we hope that you will be with us throughout the coming year as well.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T19:38:00.002+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish the management and staff of all media institutions and all our fellow bloggers a "Very Merry Christmas". We hope that this Christmas turns out to be a very special and blessed one.

E FM signal being jammed

2009-12-15T13:36:00.003+05:30

Reports indicate that areas such as Ja Ela are experiencing a signal jam on 100.4 FM. Listeners of E FM are complaining of not being able to receive the station properly. According to information the jam is due to a sinhala language station broadcasting on the same frequency which we believe is broadcasting from kalutara and they are overstepping their boundaries.

The TRC which is apparently aware of the situation is not taking any steps to rectify the problem which is aggravating the situation further.

We are not sure what are the policies of the TRC and the Media Ministry on frequency allocation but it seems that the frequency allocation policy is gathering dust in some dust bin at both organisations or being overlooked to cater to the interests of certain people.

We urge the management of Colombo Communications to take necessary action and enable their listeners to enjoy the transmission without these disturbances otherwise they will end up losing their listeners. We also urge the TRC and the Media Ministry to immediately order the management of the sinhala language station to stick to their broadcasting boundaries or issue a new frequency to them.

EAP Networks dismisses baseless rumors

2009-12-14T13:26:00.002+05:30

Popular television channel Swarnavahini denied reports on some media that the channel is being sold to a certain high level politician with links to the government.

Swarnavahini has denied these reports and stated that they will take legal action to counter this propaganda.

Daily Mirror : Swarnavahini scotches baseless rumours

Playing TV - "Prime TV" and "N TV"

2009-11-26T13:32:00.003+05:30

Two of the absolutely worthless channels over Sri Lankan airwaves at the moment. No proper terrestrial coverage. Only people in colombo can see the channels over FTA regular antenna's. and that also barely in some areas. One is available over Dialog TV islandwide but sadly not even one Dialog TV subscriber watches the channel.

This is called playing TV. Experienced television operators such as SLRC and ITN messing things up on a grand scale. No proper planning. Grand launch and then nothing. It is a great vision by His Excellency The President Mahinda Rajapakse to have two nationally operated English Language channels and we commend and fully endorse His vision and we are sure the general public has too. But sadly the people who are carrying out the vision have not caught the vision properly. So both channels are becoming utterly worthless and total failures.

First impressions always count, sadly "Prime TV" made a horrible first impression and "N TV" has made an invisible first impression due to lack of coverage.

Both channels specially "Prime TV" is playing back old and outdated programming from ITN's Library that has been gathering dust all these years.

Unless a more dynamic approach is adopted, these two channels are heading towards a certain death.

NTV to launch today

2009-11-18T16:47:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest English Language channel "NTV" will be launching this evening. This is channel is presently available on UHF Channel 52. Past National channels have been launching on Dialog TV simultaneously too, however we are unable to confirm whether this will be the case with NTV.

NTV becomes the fifth only English FTA channel in Sri Lanka.

NTV test transmission now on UHF

2009-11-12T15:06:00.003+05:30

It seems a new channel is testing from Independance Square. Rumors indicate that SLRC is going to split Channel Eye and Nethra into two seperate channels. The testing apparently taking place on UHF 52.

Please keep us updated on the latest about this channel as the days progress.

Prime TV launches and Radio 1 relaunches as Prime Radio

2009-11-12T15:00:00.002+05:30

Prime TV and Prime Radio were launched this morning at 10am. Prime Radio is the former Radio 1 and Prime TV is available on Dialog TV. We are not sure whether Prime TV is available on terrestrial transmission still.

The live telecast of the launch of Prime TV and Radio was carried over ITN this morning.

Prime TV & Radio to launch on Nov 12th

2009-11-10T09:33:00.005+05:30

Sri Lanka's latest English Television & Radio channel (Prime TV and Prime Radio) will launch on Nov 12th 2009 at 10am with a colourful opening ceremony at the BMICH.

These two fully English channels which are sister channels of ITN will carry 24 hour broadcasts. According to reports teresstrial coverage of Prime TV and Radio will in cover Colombo and the suburbs. However Prime TV will be available islandwide via Dialog TV making it the first local English channel on Dialog TV.

Prime TV is expected to rebroadcast Star Cricket & CCTV. However soon other entertainment programmes are expected to be introduced. We urge the management of Prime TV to broadcast programmes not seen by other locals channels and pay television channels.

Prime TV is expected to be on UHF 24 but we are unable to confirm this. We wish Prime TV and Prime Radio all the best in their future endeavours.

Link : Daily Mirror - Prime Move

New sports channels from Ten Sports and ESPN Star in the offing

2009-10-01T11:28:00.004+05:30

Ten Sports is planning to launch a Golf channel in Asia in partnership with Comcast the operators of "Golf Channel" in the US.

In addition Ten Sports is to launch Ten Sports 2 in the future.

There are also reports of ESPN Star Sports planning to launch a Sports News channel in the future.

HBO Asia to go HD from Oct 2nd

2009-10-01T11:10:00.002+05:30

From tomorrow (Oct 2nd) HBO Asia will be going HD in Singapore, Phillipines and Hong Kong making it the first regional movie channel to go HD. This is the same HBO that is available on Dialog TV, LBN & PEO TV in Sri Lanka. Initially there will be no difference in Sri Lanka but we can expect the local pay television operators to upgrade HBO to HD status in the future.

We can expect an increase in the broadcast quality of HBO from tomorrow over the local pay television networks but the change may not be too visible over our standard definitions broadcasts and televisions.

Siyatha TV and Vettri TV to launch today

2009-09-17T08:05:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest Sinhala Language Television channel Siyatha TV and Vettri TV the newest Tamil Language channel will be launching today. The channels are broadcasting on UHF 32 and UHF 46 respectively. In addition Siyatha TV started broadcasting via Dialog TV from last night.

Siyatha TV has reportedly got islandwide coverage via UHF/VHF in addition to FTA satellite coverage but we are unable to ascertain the coverage details of Vettri TV.

The channels are reportedly launching today at 6:45pm from the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Hilton. Siyatha TV and Vettri TV are operated by Voice of Asia Networks which also operates Siyatha FM, Vettri FM and Real Radio.

Please keep us updated on the latest on these channels as the days progress.

Max Radio & Television relaunched

2009-09-01T08:13:00.002+05:30

With effect from today MAX Television & Radio have relaunched with a new identity. Posters can be seen all over colombo and the suburbs indicating this relaunch. The channels now carry a brand new logo however the websites have not been updated at the time of posting this blog entry. We are informed by unconfirmed sources that Max Television which was a full Sinhala language television station will start relaunch with English and Tamil programming however we are yet to confirm this.

Max Television is available on a FTA basis as well as on all Sri Lankan pay television providers. Max Radio is available FTA.

Please keep us updated on the latest developments regarding Max TV and Radio.

Max Television : http://www.maxtelevision.lk/
Max Radio : http://www.maxradio.lk/

Digital TV from next year

2009-08-28T08:01:00.002+05:30

The government has yesterday decided to introduce DVB-T transmissions from the next year. Initially this will consist of converting Rupavahini & ITN to convert to digital transmissions. We believe that Analog and digital transmissions have to be carried out in parallel in because many a greater percentage of the television sets in the country do not support digital reception. The government should also consider subsidising the digital television receivers in order to make sure that when analog transmissions are switched off, no one is left without a picture on their television screens.

This is good step forward for our tiny island nation and once the first DVB-T transmissions start taking place next year, a deadline should be in place to switch off all analog transmissions. The government could build digital television transmitters and get the private channels to broadcast through them until they are able to build their own infrastructure.

The government should also look urgently at implementing DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) for radio transmissions since we have FM channels mushrooming all over sri lanka.

DVB-T contains various features such as interactivity as well as additional content that could be delivered to the viewers screen such as EPG, ect.

Source : The Daily News 28th Aug 2009 - DVB-T technology for TV transmission

Art launches "Cartoon Network" programming block

2009-08-19T08:16:00.003+05:30

English language television channel "Art" has launched a one hour daily programming block of Cartoon Network programming. The block which airs from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on a daily basis will feature several popular cartoons. I addition on weekends the channel will air programmes such as "Ben 10" from the Cartoon Network stable. The is the second time "Art" got into a venture with Cartoon Network since several years ago they were telecasting Cartoon Network programming on an hourly basis daily.

We hope that this venture will be a long standing venture unlike the first one.

Cartoon Network India as well as Cartoon Network Asia are available on leading pay television platforms in Sri Lanka.

Source : Indiantelevision.com : Cartoon Network partners with Sri Lanka's Art Television

KISS launches

2009-08-13T10:23:00.003+05:30

Sri Lanka's latest radio channel KISS FM launched officially today at about 10:10am after several weeks of testing.

The channel is operating on 89.8 FM. The quality of the transmission has improved over the last few weeks however the channel is still not clear in certain areas around colombo. We hope that KISS engineers take steps to improve this situation.

We wish the management and staff of KISS all the best as they launch this channel.

KISS Website : http://www.kiss898.com/
KISS on Facebook : http://kiss898.com/facebook/

Kiss 89.8 now on test

2009-07-09T08:27:00.002+05:30

The channel testing on FM 89.8 has been identified as Kiss. We are not sure when this will be launched but we will update you with information as and when we receive them.

Kiss on Facebook - http://kiss898.com/facebook/

Kiss on the web - http://kiss898.com/

Vasantham TV now testing on pay networks

2009-06-24T22:46:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest television station and sister channel of ITN -Vasantham TV- has commenced testing on pay television networks from today. This channel is now testing on Dialog TV and will be on other networks prior to the launch. The channel has not commenced terrestial broadcasts as yet but will initlally start broadcasting on pay television networks. This is the third tamil language channel in Sri Lanka.

Vasantham Tv to launch on June 25th

2009-06-22T11:18:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest Tamil language channel "Vasantham TV" will launch on June 25th according to sources quoting ITN. The channel is presently testing on VHF 9. This will be third full Tamil language channel in country after 'Shakthi TV" & "Nethra TV". The test transmissions are said to be not as clear as ITN however it may improve before the launch. This channel should at least cover the entire Western Province before the launch.

We believe that "Prime TV" will launch soon after this launch is completed.

ITN to launch two channels soon....

2009-06-11T12:04:00.003+05:30

According to reports surfacing in the media ITN will be launching its sister channels very soon. Even though frequencies have not been allocated to these channels being state channels frequency allocations will be a breeze. The Wasantham TV and Prime TV logos were seen at the ITN anniversary celebrations held recently. ITN also has inked a content deal with china's CCTV indicating that the English channel may rebroadcast this channel to cover up airtime.

Please keep us updated updated on the latest about these channels as the days progress.

IPL "Live" on Channel Eye

2009-04-21T11:51:00.002+05:30

Channel Eye is telecasting IPL matches Live from South Africa in the evenings. There are two matches on a daily basis and we believe the first is not being telecast but the second one is being telecast. Last year Sirasa telecast the tournament live. So far this year IPL matches could be viewed only by subscribers of Dialog TV and PEO TV.

This is a great move by Channel Eye and it would be even better if they can telecast both the matches live.

ITN to launch two sister channels

2009-04-15T11:05:00.001+05:30

State owned channel ITN will be launching two sister channels soon. Wasantham TV a tamil channel is expected to launch in June & Prime TV an english channel will launch during the course of this year. This was announced on ITN yesterday. A newspaper advertisement in the Sunday Observer indicated vacancies for the post of managers for an upcoming tamil channel and an english channel. This is probably for the two channels to be launched by ITN. Posted via Yahoo GO!

Suba Aluth Awruddak Wewa

2009-04-12T16:48:00.002+05:30

We like to take this opportunity to wish the management and staff of all media organizations in Sri Lanka and our fellow bloggers "Suba Aluth Awruddak".

We thank you for the support extended towards us and for your invaluable contributions and look forward to continue with you into the future.

E FM dying a natural death

2009-04-04T11:53:00.001+05:30

E FM which relaunched just over an year ago with Mark taking the helm is now dying a natural death. The morning show is now loosing appeal since too much time is being devoted to current affairs, big matches & more cricket. This obviously happened after Brad joined the show. In addition now more 80's & 90's music is being played instead of the good balance that they struck when they relaunched. E FM should now revamp its playlist by increasing the amount of current songs and playing them more frequently and reduce Brad's gab. Remember not everyone wants to listen to big match views the reviews, Mahela babbling away, over emphasized current affairs. Posted via Yahoo GO!

FM Derana to commence transmissions on Mar 29th 2009

2009-03-27T16:25:00.003+05:30

FM Derana Sri Lanka's latest FM Radio channel and sister channel of TV Derana will commence transmission on March 29th 2009 at 8:30pm. The event will be carried live on Derana TV.

We at TV Radio Sri Lanka wish the new channel all the best as they commence transmissions on saturday night.

"Cinemax" to become "Max"

2009-03-22T20:40:00.002+05:30

English movie channel Cinemax a sister channel of HBO will be relaunching as Max from Mar 29th 2009. The channel is expected to sport a whole new look with some premiere's expected.

This channel is available in Sri Lanka on Dialog TV & LBN.

Survivor Toocantins premieres today on Zee Cafe

2009-03-04T12:25:00.002+05:30

Zee Cafe will be premiering the 18th season of hit reality show Survivor call "Survivor : Tocantins". This popular television series which was initially telecast on AXN and was dropped is now gaining massive popularity on Zee Cafe ever since Zee Cafe started telecasting the series from 2007.

This series is very popular in Sri Lanka among the English speaking public and local viewers are very much thankful to Zee Cafe for telecasting this television show.

The season is expected to kickoff tonight (March 4th 2009) at 9pm. This series premiered in the US on Feb 7th 2009.

ABC gets new frequencies

2009-03-02T19:29:00.002+05:30

Radio network ABC has been allocated new frequencies according to reliable sources. Accordingly they have commenced broadcasting to the North & East using one of these frequencies. It is not clear whether these include frequencies for Sun & Sha FM. However with elections around the corner anything is possible. The gap left by specially Sun FM has not been filled by any other station.

Mobile Posting powered by Yahoo Go!

(Post reformatted on 4th March 09)

New Channel vanishes

2009-03-02T19:16:00.002+05:30

The new television channel that we reported to have been carrying out test transmissions using DD News has been off air for over a week now. This channel carried out a very low powered test transmission as it was barely visible even inside colombo. Please keep us updated on the latest on this channel as and when information becomes available.

Posted via Yahoo Go!

(Post reformatted and corrected on 4th March 09)

New TV channel now on test

2009-02-12T09:05:00.000+05:30

A new television channel is now testing according to reliable sources. At the moment they are telecasting DD News as part of their test transmission. We believe that this maybe the test transmission of Siyatha TV which is due to commence transmissions from next month. The test transmissions were viewable from 7:30pm onwards yesterday. We are not sure of the frequency but the test transmissions were visible upto Seeduwa.

Please keep us posted on the latest developments regarding this television channel.

Siyatha TV to start transmission on March 8th

2009-02-10T09:47:00.000+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest television station will commence transmissions on the 8th of March 2009. We expect these to be test transmissions. This information is said to have been unveiled during the "Deyata Kirula" exhibition which was held recently.

Please await more details on this as and when we receive them.

Derana Radio now on test

2009-02-05T17:09:00.002+05:30

It has been reported that Derana Radio that ceased testing sometime back has recommenced testing once again from last night. We are unable to get access to the frequencies but we hope that our fellow bloggers will post the frequencies here for all to try out the test transmission.

Star World India messing up American Idol

2009-01-08T14:38:00.002+05:30

Star World India is successfully on its way to mess up American Idol 2009 by allocating broadcast time as 11pm in this region.

After being behind Sri Lankan FTA channel Art TV on Prison Break because of this move most Sri Lankans will watch American Idol this year on local FTA channel ETV which is expected to telecast the series at 8pm.

Allocating a programme which is enjoyed by the whole family to the 11pm slot tells a lot about the thinking pattern of the decision makers in this channel.

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T17:17:00.002+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish the Management & Staff of of all media institutions in Sri Lanka, Our fellow Bloggers

"A Very Happy and Prosperous 2009.
May the New Year be a Blessed one for all of you"

We thank all of you for your contributions throughout this whole year and looks forward to your support throughout the new year.

A Very Merry & Blessed Christmas

2008-12-22T19:21:00.001+05:30

We take this opportunity to wish all our fellow bloggers the management and staff of all media institutions a

"Very Merry & Blessed Christmas"

Rhythm 100.7 FM now on air

2008-12-08T17:29:00.003+05:30

Rhythm 100.7FM formerly called Asura FM is now on air. This is a Sinhala Language Radio Channel that follows the formats former stations such as Raja FM and Sha FM.

This station is getting mixed reviews since many who love the music format of Asura FM prefer it that way but those who used to enjoy the music pumped out by stations like Raja FM and Sha FM prefer this new station.

Please share your comments on this new station in the comments section of this post.

TV 2 & Radio One launched

2008-12-01T18:26:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest tv station called TV2 was launched today on UHF 53. Additionally English Language radio station Radio One was launched today. Both channels are part of People's Media network a subsidiary of East West Group. TV2 will be a music & lifestyle oriented channel. Both channels are analog & free to air.

Radio One & TV 2 to launch

2008-11-28T16:49:00.002+05:30

Radio One & TV 2 are expected to launch over the weekend. Radio One is already carrying out transmissions whereas TV 2 which has been off air for several weeks now is expected to commence over the weekend.

The channels are being operated by People's Media Network owned by the East West Group. This is East West Group's second foray into media the first being ETV 1 anf ETV 2 several years ago which was eventually sold to EAP Group and was rebranded as Swarnavahini & ETV.

Fox History & Entertainment to replace "The History Channel" on Nov 22nd

2008-11-21T09:23:00.002+05:30

"Fox History & Entertainment" will replace "The History Channel India" from Nov 22nd 2008. This is the first channel in this region to carry the Fox name and is seen as a precursor to the launch of other channels such as Fox Crime, etc.

The newly relaunched channel will focus mainly on educational and entertaining programmes and is expected to be similar to the History Channel. Hopefully their is no shift to dub the programmes in Hindi which means dual language feeds should be available.

Website : www.foxhistory.com

New channel testing on FM 107.9

2008-11-14T16:35:00.002+05:30

A new radio channel is said to be testing on the FM 107.9 band. This was previous allocated to Hiru FM and the testing is said to be carried out using English, Sinhala & Tamil music. We are unable to confirm who is operating this channel but it could be an ABC Radio Network channel.

If so they will either be planning to launch Sun FM or Hiru FM over this frequency.

Please keep us updated as when information becomes available about this channel.

"History Channel" to be rebranded as "Fox History & Entertainment"?

2008-11-14T16:27:00.004+05:30

It looks like pay television channel "The History Channel" will be rebranding on Nov 22nd. Recent adverts running on the channel indicate the launch of a channel called "Fox History & Entertainment".

Since History Channel has been moving into showing historical movies and some entertainment based ones while also telecasting educational programming over the last year or so, it looks highly likely that the this will likely be a rebranding of the present History Channel.

Some Indian forums indicate that this may be a new channel but we do not believe so? The new channel would be operated by Star which also operates History Channel in this region.

Star World to unveil new on air look

2008-11-05T08:37:00.003+05:30

Pay Entertainment channel Star World has started sporting a new on air look in the Singapore and East Asia region. This look will be introduced onto Star World South Asia from next month. The new look implemented yesterday sports a new logo, new on air graphics, etc.

New Star World Logo

No Al-Barakah T20 Canada Cup coverage in this region

2008-10-10T11:39:00.002+05:30

No pay television channel nor any local channel will be carrying live coverage of the T20 Cup to be played in Canada commencing today.

The reasons for the lack of coverage is the timing of the matches since all of them are out local television viewing time range.

It is an utter shame on ESPN, Star Sports, Star Cricket, Ten Sports, Neo Sports, Neo Cricket & Zee Sports for not telecasting this tournament. It is even more shameful for Star Cricket & Neo Cricket since they call themselves cricket centric channels and cannot telecast a cricket tournament because of less advertising revenue. These are pay channels and they get revenue from audiences viewing the channel too and not only advertising revenue so they have to at least justify the income from the audiences.

Airtel Digital TV commences today. Is Sri Lanka next?

2008-10-09T08:18:00.003+05:30

"Airtel Digital TV" the DTH pay television service of Airtel India will launch today across India. This is the 6th DTH service provider in India and broadcasts using the latest MPEG4 DVDs2 technology. Although the initial rollout is for Indian audiences only we believe that Airtel will launch their DTH service in Sri Lanka too once they launch their mobile phone service.

This will indeed be a threat to Sri Lankan pay television service providers since Airtel will not have to invest too much for their pay television service since the entire setup is available in India. They will only have to market and sell the connections with some sort of customer support.

Airtel DTH may dominate the Sri Lankan pay television market since most of our local pay television operators are much more expensive than their Indian counterparts.

Sony "Pix" to showcase FA cup

2008-10-09T08:11:00.002+05:30

The Indian region broadcast rights for the 2008-2009 season of the FA cup has been secured by the english movie channel Set "Pix". This would mean that ESPN Star Sports will not be carrying the matches for audiences in Sri Lanka either.

Set "Pix" is not available over any Sri Lankan pay television providers but it is widely available over Indian DTH services.

Sri Lankan pay television networks namely Dialog TV, LBN & PEO TV should introduce Set Pix on their platform under a suitable low priced package immediately since the FA cup commences during the month of November or many football fans will miss the football action.

FM 104 radio channel now tesing on FM 104.5

2008-10-03T09:54:00.002+05:30

The English Language Radio Channel that was testing on FM 104 has now moved to 104.5FM. The channel which is known as Radio One is expected to launch soon. This channel is also being advertised on TV2 which is also a television station which is being tested.

We are not sure on the exact format of this radio station but we will update this information once we receive it.

Lak FM launched today

2008-10-01T07:52:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's latest Sinhala Language Radio Station "Lak FM" launched today on FM 92 for colombo. This station commenced test transmissions almost 3 months ago. The launch was delayed untill they could achieve islandwide coverage status. Now since the station has obtained the desired coverage the station has now launched.

A few more radio channels are still in the pipeline and we could see them launch over the next few months.

AXN to premiere "Amazing Race 13" tonight

2008-09-29T08:42:00.002+05:30

Action channel AXN will be premiering the latest season of the US edition Amazing Race 13 at 6:30pm Sri Lanka time. This telecast is just a few hours after the season premiers in the US.

With Amazing Race 13 premiering this there will be two editions of Amazing Race on AXN with Amazing Race Asia s3 being telecast on Thursday at 6:30pm.

AXN is available on all pay television networks in Sri Lanka except for PEO TV.

Surivor : Gabon, Brit Awards on premiere on Zee Cafe

2008-09-29T08:34:00.002+05:30

International hit series "Survivor: Gabon" will be premiering on Zee Cafe commencing 1st October 2008 at 10pm just six days after premiering in the US.

Last year Zee Cafe telecast "Survivor : China" on a two week delay after the US broadcast but this time the delay has been brought down to just 6 days.

Earlier this year Zee Cafe telecast "Survivor : Fiji" which was telecast earlier last year in the US. It seems that Zee Cafe will be telecasting a Survivor series on par with the US broadcast during the second half of the year and will be telecasting an older edition (about an year old) during the first half of the year.

In addition Zee Cafe will be telecasting the "2008 Brit Awards" on October 25th @ 9pm. Zee Cafe is available on Dialog TV and LBN in Sri Lanka.

New English Language station testing on FM 104

2008-09-25T11:47:00.002+05:30

A new English Language Radio station is testing on FM 104 from yesterday. We are not sure who owns this channel but some rumors indicate that it may be Sun FM however the station has some clarity issues near the pettah and fort area so therefore it cannot be Sun FM.

Please continue updating us on information regarding this channel as and when they are received.

TV Radio Sri Lanka expands with PEO TV

2008-09-23T09:39:00.002+05:30

SLT launched their IPTV platform PEO TV yesterday and we have launched the PEO TV blog today.

Please continue your valuable discussions related to SLT IPTV otherwise known as PEO TV on the following address.

TV Radio Sri Lanka - PEO TV Blog

60th Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards on Zee Cafe

2008-09-22T11:30:00.002+05:30

The prime time telecast of the 60th Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards will be on pay television channel Zee Cafe tonight at 9pm. The live telecast on Zee Cafe which commenced at 5:30am this morning was preceded by the Live telecast of the Emmy Pre Show which commenced at 3:30am.

Zee Cafe is available on all pay television platforms in Sri Lanka.

SLT IPTV to launch today

2008-09-22T08:45:00.003+05:30

Sri Lanka Telecom IPTV will be launching today at the Cinnamon Grand. A newspaper advertisement in the Daily Mirror indicates a "Coming Soon....". No one is sure of the connection charges and the monthly rental for this service but we expect it to be less than Dialog TV since SLT would have to compete directly with them for a slice of the pay television market.

We can expect the installation charges and the rentals to be advertised over the media in the next few days.

At present channels such as Rupavahini, Channel Eye, ITN, Max, HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Hits, HBO Family, CNN, BBC World, NDTV 24X7, Al Jazeera, Ujala, Peace TV, Spacetoons, Colors, DD Sports, VH1, MTV, Nickolodean, STC, B4U Music, NDTV Good Times, Ceebies BBC, Zee Music and a few other Hindi channels are available on the IPTV platform. Notably channels such as AXN, Discovery, Animal Planet, Nat Geo, History, ESPN, Star Channels and a few others which are available on other pay television operators are not yet available but we expect these channels to come on board over the next few months.

Please update us with information on SLT IPTV as and when they arrive.

Await the launch of the SLT IPTV blog........

New channel "TV 2" on test

2008-09-22T08:10:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka's newest television channel "TV 2" is presently testing on UHF 53. The channel is said to be run by People's Media Network who are testing Radio 1 on 104.5 FM. This frequency was previously assigned to Udayam Television which was a pro government Tamil language television channel launched targeting the eastern Ppovince during the eastern provincial council elections and over the past few weeks this channel was also visible in the colombo area over this frequency but over the last few days it has been replaced by "TV 2". We are not sure whether Udayam TV is still available in the eastern Province, hopely some of our bloggers from the eastern province should be able to give us some information.

"TV 2" telecasts an assortment of English Songs but with some Tamil and Sinhalese songs thrown in. We are unable to ascertain whether this channel will be a multi lingual channel or a channel telecasting programmes only on a specific language. We request our fellow bloggers to keep updating us when they receive information regarding this television channel.

New look Animal Planet to be revealed in October

2008-09-18T08:32:00.007+05:30

Animal Planet will be taking on a whole new look commencing October 1st 2008. The new look which has been revealed in some parts of the world will be implemented in the Indian Subcontinent, New Zealand and other parts of the world from the said date. The change includes a new logo and on air graphics, etc.

We believe that the new look logo will be similar to what is given below

Source : indiantelevision.com - Animal Planet to don new look from 1 October

Good news for subcontinental WWE fans

2008-09-18T08:32:00.002+05:30

Fans of WWE in the Indian subcontinent have more reasons to cheer about since from October 2008 Ten Sports will be telecasting the WWE programming simultaneously as in the United States without the present three week delay that plagues all WWE programming this part of the world.

On the first weekend of October two weeks of WWE programming will be aired in order for Ten Sports to be able to carry out simultaneous broadcasting from the following week.

Ten Sports is available over all pay television operators in Sri Lanka.

Source : indiantelevision.com - Ten Sports to air WWE episodes simultaneously in India