Indian defense minister backs new Kerala Channel

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony launched “Media One” news and entertainment channel during a colorful ceremony here on Sunday and pledged all support for Media One’s efforts to promote communal harmony in the country. “I welcome the new baby of Madhyamam family and I wish every success to the new channel,” the minister said while commending the channel’s corporate slogan that it would stand for truth and goodness. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition leader VS Achuthamenon, Industry Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, and businessmen Galfar Muhammad Ali, Dr. Asad Moopan and PV Abdul Wahab joined the ceremony attended by more than 100,000 people from across the state. In his keynote address, Antony urged Media One and its management to stand for truth, even if it is difficult. “There is big competition in the visual media world but I wish Media One every success as I believe that it should not fail,” he added. Madhyamam Group Chairman T. Arifali, who presided over the function, said: “Our dream is to make Media One a number one channel not only in India but in the world. We are working hard to realize this objective with the support of the Almighty and the general public.” Chief Minister Chandy inaugurated the opening ceremony and advised the media not to create news in their drive to get more viewers and readers. Achuthanandan opened the channel’s headquarters building while Kunhalikutty opened its news studio. Culture Minister KC Joseph inaugurated the channel’s website, Galfar Muhammad Ali its program studio and cinema director Rangit its signature music. A large number of prominent personalities from all communities and political parties attended the ceremony. This is the first news channel from Calicut and a silver jubilee gift from Madhyamam group. Source: Arab News