ABP drops 'Star' from its news channel bouquet; STAR News to be rechristened as 'ABP News'

The three 24-hour news channels are owned by the Media Content and Communications Pvt Ltd (MCCS) ' a joint venture between the Ananda Bazar Patrika Group and STAR India Pvt Ltd. Both Ananda and Majha are No 1 Channels since inception.

Star India Pvt Ltd and ABP, the principle shareholders, have agreed to discontinue the Star brand affiliation with the MCCS. Going forward Star wishes to focus on building their brand on their core business that is general entertainment.

In a statement to the media, MCCS CEO, Ashok Venkatramani said "Star and ABP have decided to discontinue the brand agreement, where Star has lent the brand to MCCS. Right now Star continues to be a shareholder in MCCS"

The core business of the ABP is news and it wishes to promote and establish its own brands in the broadcast news space through its subsidiary company - MCCS. MCCS has sustained its affiliation with Star brand for 8 years and both have benefitted from this association.

In these years the three news channels have evolved into respected market leaders in their segment, which has helped MCCS become a strong and respected company in the broadcast news space.

It has quality resources in its employees and built good equity among its stakeholders ' loyal viewers' base, clients, distributors and vendor partners.

Content on all three channels are managed by some of the finest editors, journalists, anchors and technical professionals who have consistently maintained the highest standards of honest and ethical journalism. They would continue to maintain high standards of news quality, with same integrity, transparency and speed.