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December 14, 2004

"American Desi" T.V.TV

Several news services carry a press release announcing the creation of a new 24-hour English language American television network for South Asians living in America:

American Desi, the first and only 24- hour English language American television network for South Asians living in America, today announced the appointment of senior management, advisors and on-air talent who among them represent over 125 years of relevant experience at such media companies as ABC, NBC, ESPN, FOX, PAX-TV and major corporations, including American Express, among others.

The new network’s senior management will lead a team of executives, producers, directors, writers, on-air talent and production personnel who have received many of the U.S. television industry’s top honors — including more than ten Emmy Awards.

Well its about damn time. What can we expect in terms of content? It looks like they are putting together a great team:

American Desi today also unveiled several featured on-air talent appointees, including Divya Ohri, Vice President of Production and Sree Sreenivasan, WABC-TV reporter and South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) co-founder. Ms. Ohri becomes American Desi’s Senior Vice President and host of “American Desi: Prime Time Live,” the flagship show of the network; “Bollywood Fix;” and co-host of “Points of View.” For his part, Mr. Sreenivasan is executive producing and hosting American Desi’s new “Live Wire; The Pulse; The Voice” in-depth affairs programming. “We are extremely proud of the unprecedented and unparalleled team we have assembled both behind and in front of the camera. Never before has such a senior assemblage of Western and South Asian executives and on-air talent been assembled to launch a comprehensive media venture for the Desi community,” said Mr. Verma.

abhi on December 14, 2004 12:43 PM in TV · T·r·a·c·k·b·a·c·k address · Direct link · Email post



15 comments

 1 · Punjabi Boy on December 14, 2004 12:53 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)


Looks extremely cool. As long as they have a bhangra show it wil be great. Someone offer Apul Patel a comedy slot too.


 2 · Abhi on December 14, 2004 01:01 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

I think they should offer Sepia Mutiny a show. Hey if Instapundit (a.k.a Glenn Reynolds) and other bloggers get to cross over to TV, why not us? You guys would watch right? I'd even wear makeup so TV would accept me.


 3 · Bee on December 14, 2004 01:13 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

I'm a loyal SM'er to a fault! I will so watch you mad blogger ;-)


 4 · Abhi on December 14, 2004 01:20 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Thanks Bee. For long I have thought of myself as emotionally dead, but that last comment brought a genuine tear to my eye. :)


 5 · Amardeep on December 14, 2004 03:25 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

I had the same idea -- an SM show. The problem is, for a weekly (?) half hour show, you would have to go interview all the people you currently talk s*** about. What takes 10 minutes to do on a blog would end up taking several hours to arrange. And just think of all the brown-nosing that would be necessary!

Much better would be something along the lines of crank-yankers ... but with SM style gossip -- er, I mean, reporting -- instead of crank calls. Possible titles: "Fisk-Shisk" or "Gossip, Boss."

Or: Bollywhoo!
[Ballyhoo + Bollywood + Who's Who]


 6 · Abhi on December 14, 2004 03:29 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Plus we'd have to hire bodyguards. Especially Vinod.


 7 · timepass on December 14, 2004 03:47 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

ADTV will need more than the 2 shows mentioned to be a full-fledged network. Therefore I humbly propose the SM crew develop a new reality show based loosely on 'The Apprentice' that caters to South Asians... make Raj Bhakta the Trump figure of the show, have desi contestants compete on challenging tasks (spelling bees, running a matrimonial website, setting up a paan stall in Jackson Heights, etc.).

The winner gets to be Raj's sidekick (if male) or wife (if female). Call it 'Peon or Patni.' I'll co-develop the concept with anyone who's up for it.


 8 · anonymous on December 14, 2004 04:39 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Dude, I just wanted to know where they were based. Finish the site before you send out press releases, eh? :)

-------------------------------------------------
Toll free Number: XXXXXXXX.
Email : advertise@abc.com

After you submit this form, a sales person will contact you, or you may call (999) 999-9999.

American Desi Headquarters:

American Desi Television Network
ABC
XYZ

Tel:
Fax:
feedback@amer@.cs


 9 · MD on December 14, 2004 04:50 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Oh Lord, I can't imagine the desi version of The Bachelor. Will we have to sit through a televised version of his biodata (my most favoritest desi word).


 10 · Raju on December 14, 2004 05:43 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Too bad I don't have a dish. But hmmm, I AM looking for a job...anyone have any ideas on how to get in touch with the ADTV folks? I notice their press release didn't have any info (or their Web site, for that matter).


 11 · Punjabi Boy on December 15, 2004 04:40 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)


Actually, I reckon the Badmash crew should develop a Simpsons style cartoon show for the station. Those guys are good.

Sepa Mutiny show is a brilliant idea.


 12 · Apul Patel on December 20, 2004 02:14 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Dish Network adds more channels to its South Asian package:

World Screen News: Dish Expands South Asian Offerings

Just two days since announcing it would carry the new South-Asian-targeted channel American Desi, EchoStar's DISH Network satellite service has added South Asia World to its international programming offerings.

http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurrent.php?filename=dish1216


 13 · Bill on March 1, 2005 08:59 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Hey, I work for american desi, and were trying really hard to create a network that you want to watch, we also want to hear comments about what we do right and wrong. Im an engineer there but I will pass along what ever you suggest. We do want to hear from you, we do want your feedback.
thanks
Bill



 14 · caroline on April 2, 2005 01:59 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Hi,

Is it going to come in local cable where we can purchase it .
Kuddos for starting this channel


 15 · Bill on April 3, 2005 02:56 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

currently it is only availabel on dish network.


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