UTV plans to launch two new channels by August

Keith Alphonso takes over as business head, UTV Bindass.

UTV Software Communications, which plans to launch two new channels between May and August this year, has made a few key changes in its top rung.

The company has roped in Keith Alphonso as business head for its youth channel, UTV Bindass. Earlier, Alphonso was head, ad sales, Zoom TV, in charge of revenue both from traditional air time sales and non-traditional customised solutions.

Speaking to afaqs!, Alphonso says, "My mandate here will primarily be to develop Bindass as an entity and not just a channel. The intention is to broaden the channel brand so as to capture the youth audience across all platforms."

In his new capacity, Alphonso will report to MK Anand, chief executive officer, broadcasting, UTV.

Alphonso has more than 15 years of experience in media business management and has been a part of the broadcast entertainment industry for seven years. In the past, he has worked on brands such as The Times of India and MTV.

Alphonso replaces Nikhil Gandhi, who has now been entrusted with the responsibility of launching the company's upcoming mass specialty channel as business head. He will also continue to head the network's ad sales function.

Talking about the new channels, Anand tells afaqs!, "While the mass specialty channel to be headed by Nikhil will be launched in August, we are looking at launching the Telugu version of our movie channel, UTV Action, in May."

It is pertinent to note here that since Sameer Ganpathy heads UTV Broadcasting's movie channels - UTV Movies, World Movies and UTV Action, the new Telugu channel, too, will fall under his jurisdiction.