02 January 2008
Dubai, UAE - Pehla - Premium Asian Entertainment Television announced the addition of Pakistan's premier news, current affairs and entertainment channel- Aaj TV on its packages. The Urdu channel, targeting the Asian diaspora across the region will be made available to Pehla Basic, Silver and Gold subscribers at no additional cost. The Middle East launch of Aaj TV on Pehla packages has been described as an important step towards enhancing the cross viewer-ship appeal of the entertainment bouquet.

With the addition of Aaj TV Pehla reinforces its commitment to providing premium programming content to its subscribers with the highest quality home entertainment experience.

Aaj TV is one of the biggest Urdu language television channels in the world and has earned a reputation for its objective and unbiased coverage of local and international news. The channel revels in its forte of broadcasting round the clock news, from around the world, exactly the way it unfolds. Being the first digital satellite channel to establish an earth station in Pakistan gave Aaj TV tremendous flexibility and control in responding to national and international news. The innovative '5 Minutes before the Hour, Every Hour' news headline concept gives it the advantage of breaking news before its competitors.

Commenting on the addition of Aaj TV to the Pehla bouquet Mr. Vinod D'Mello, Executive Vice-President, Group Strategy and Planning, Arab Digital Distribution (ADD) said: "The inclusion of Aaj TV within our Pehla packages is yet another step in keeping with our commitment of providing the finest Asian entertainment to our viewers. We continue strengthening our packages by catering to our viewer's diverse viewing requirements."

Talking about Aaj TV's Middle East launch and association with the region's leading Pehla bouquet, Mr. Ahmed Zuberi, Managing Director of Aaj TV commented: "Aaj TV's versatility of programming and comprehensive news coverage will be a great addition to the bouquet of programming that Pehla offers. This partnership of Aaj TV and Pehla will add a new dimension to Pakistan's international image".

The channel's in-depth and precise analysis, delivered by respected social and political commentators, appeals to ardent followers of current affairs. The entertainment component boasts of super hit shows, simultaneously on air, like the 'Four Man Show', 'Super Karara', 'Begum Nawazish Ali', and 'Aaj Ki Kahanian', has ensured the popularity of the channel as a family entertainer. Aaj TV has gained international attention for its innovative programming with the likes of The New York Times, Daily Telegraph and The International Herald Tribune writing about it.

With the addition of Aaj TV, Pehla enhances its tally of entertaining channels to 46. 

 - Ends -

Notes to Editors:

Arab Digital Distribution (ADD) is the largest pay TV platform management company in the Middle East and North Africa. ADD currently offers ART - Premuim Arabic Entertainment, Pehla - Premium Asian Entertainment, First Net - Premium International Entertainment. ADD offers the best in programming content targeting local market requirements by customizing the subscription options and extending the greatest degree of choice and flexibility.

For further information please contact:
Shazia Kamili
Percept Profile Gulf
Email: shazia@perceptprofilegulf.com
Tel: 04 3446373
Fax: 050 7264392                                   

© Press Release 2008