KOZHIKODE: Minister for Defence AK Antony will launch MediaOne, a Malayalam television channel from the stable of Madhyamam daily, on Sunday at a function to be held at the studio complex at Velliparamba, 10 kilometres from the city, according to CEO and Managing Director Abdussalam Ahamed.

“Defence Minister AK Antony will launch MediaOne television channel on Feb.10. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has agreed to deliver the inaugural address.

“Leader of opposition VS Achuthanandan would open the studio complex and Minister for Industries PK Kunhalikutty is scheduled to inaugurate the news studio,” Ahamed told media persons on Monday.

The channel would give equal prominence for both news and entertainment programmes. The television content will have as its focus family viewers.

“We are guided by the values enshrined by Madhyamam daily and its acceptance among the Malayalee readership,” he said.

He also said that plans are afoot to start MediaOne Global for Non-Resident Indians.

The news cum entertainment channel floated by Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited, with maximum public participation after pro-Left Kairali channel, is tipped to be a different treat for the viewers in its selection of news, entertainment and advertisements.

O. Abdurahman, Group Editor of Madhyamam daily, who was also present at the press conference, said the daily was able to become the largest circulated international Indian newspaper in the Middle East over a period of two decades.

The newspaper, established in 1987, has 11 editions in India and nine in the Middle East.

Offering a variety of news and entertainment programmes, more than 20 Malayalam television channels are vying with each other for a slice of Malayalee viewership around the globe.

At least five channels are at various stages of development.

Mathrbhumi Television entered the fray last week.

According to promoters, MediaOne aims to redefine the channel culture by delivering value based programmes.

Guided by its slogan Neru, Nanma (Truth, Goodness), the channel aims at empowering minorities, Dalits and other marginalised groups in the society.