India: Government Okays More HD, SD Channels

07.01.2009

The television regulator for India, the world's second most populous nation, has given its formal approval to the launch of 22 new satellite and cable channels via cable and satellite—including four National Geographic channels, one of which is its HD service.

The NGS outlets to be beamed across India, which appear to be popular globally because of their universal subject matter, will include Nat-Geo Wild, N-G Adventure and N-G Music, as well as National Geographic HD. (Yes, NGS has a music channel. Who knew?) National Geographic Society headquarters for both its print and television operations is located in Washington, D.C.

India's regulator, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, has been busy licensing a growing number of HD/SD services in recent years for the technologically advanced nation, especially as its middle class grows rapidly, according to Rapid TV News.