VisionTV expands, enhances Saturday programming for South Asian Canadians


Toronto, February 8, 2008
VisionTV expands, enhances Saturday programming for South Asian Canadians *New Desi Vision* lineup to include the best in Bollywood feature films Beginning March 1, Saturdays on VisionTV will have a new look. For many years, the multi-faith and multicultural channel has devoted much of its Saturday schedule to programming for Sikh, Hindu and Muslim Canadians. Now VisionTV is revamping the day’s lineup to better serve South Asian viewers, and introducing a new addition: weekly feature films from Bollywood. To highlight the change and underline the importance that VisionTV places on its South Asian viewership, the new schedule has been given its own distinct brand: Desi Vision. Said Mark Prasuhn*, VisionTV’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Programming: “We are proud to be the only national basic cable broadcaster offering such an extensive selection of faith, information and entertainment programming for South Asian Canadians. The decision to enhance VisionTV’s Saturday lineup is a sign of our continued commitment to this fast-growing community.” South Asian Canadians represent one of the country’s largest visible minorities, with a population that is expected to approach two million by 2017. Bollywood feature films will join the VisionTV Saturday lineup, starting March 1, at 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. PT. The product of Mumbai’s thriving motion picture industry, these immensely popular, action-packed extravaganzas reflect the vibrant face of today’s India, where age-old faith traditions meet fast-paced contemporary culture. VisionTV has acquired classic titles such as the romance Ek Hi Raasta* and the family saga Sooryavansham, starring legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan in one of his most acclaimed performances. Other Bollywood film highlights include Raincoat, a contemporary romance inspired by traditional Indian literature and classical music, and Krishna Cottage, a tale of love and the supernatural. Another newcomer to the Saturday lineup, the magazine series *Bollywood Gupshup* (airing weekly at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT) will deliver reports from the world of South Asian entertainment. In addition, VisionTV has overhauled its lineup of established South Asian programs, moving a number of titles to new time slots. Viewers will now be able to find mainstays such as Des Pardes and Aikam in prime time. VisionTV plans to launch an extensive print and outdoor advertising campaign to promote Desi Vision in the South Asian Canadian community. For more VisionTV programming and schedule information, please visit www.visiontv.ca. VisionTV, an S-VOX company, is Canada’s multi-faith and multicultural broadcaster, dedicated to programming that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding and tolerance among people of different faiths and cultures. Desi Vision: Program Lineup - Saturdays, starting March 1, 2008 *Aspire TV W.I.U.* 9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT The Singh family – Buddy, Shirley, Sharon and Natalie – host this weekly celebration of Hindu faith and culture. In Hindi and English. *Call of the Minaret* 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT Host Steve Rockwell presents this weekly series dedicated to helping Canadian Muslims and non-Muslims alike come to a better understanding of Islam. In English. *Gurbani* 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT Host Raghubir Singh Samagh presents this weekly series dedicated to helping Canadian Sikhs and others reach a better understanding of Sikhism, guided by the community's most respected faith leaders. In Punjabi. *Watno Dur* 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT Sukhi and Sumeet Nijjar host this hour-long arts and culture program for Canada's Sikh community, featuring popular and devotional music, comedy, interviews, documentary reports and local events coverage. In Punjabi. *Let the Qur’an Speak* Noon ET/9 a.m. PT Safiyyah Ally hosts this weekly exploration of Islamic scripture, featuring compelling analysis of the Qur'an and reflections on the history and meaning of the message by Shabir Ally. In English. *Visions of Punjab* 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT Iqbal Mahal and Navjot Brar host this half-hour program for Sikh Canadians, featuring songs of inspiration, music videos, and interviews with leading members of the Punjabi community. In Punjabi, Hindi and English *Punjabi Dharhkan* 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT Gursharan Mann, Liveleen Singh and Harajan Kaur host this faith and entertainment series for Sikh Canadians, featuring popular and religious music, compelling interviews, fashion tips, community news and more. In Punjabi, Hindi and English. *Gaunda Punjab TV* 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT Joginder Bassi hosts a weekly half-hour devoted to all aspects of the Sikh faith, featuring religious music, interviews with prominent Sikh Canadians, panel discussions on current events and issues, and community announcements. In Punjabi. *Visions of Pakistan TV* 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT Bashir Khan hosts this weekly look at current events and issues for Canadian Muslims, featuring thought-provoking interviews, discussions about the Qur'an, community news, music and more. In Urdu and English. NEW TO VISIONTV *Beyond Belief* 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT Harmeet Singh hosts this weekly series for Sikh Canadians, which explores the complex issues facing individuals and families in a multicultural society, from divorce to drug use, and offers insights aimed at helping viewers make smart choices. NEW TO VISIONTV Bollywood Feature Films 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT NEW TO VISIONTV *Bollywood Gupshup* 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT This new weekly series provides up-to-the-minute reports from the world of South Asian entertainment. Highlights include interviews with leading Bollywood movie stars, trailers for upcoming films, music videos, reports on fashions and awards, and much more. *Sanjha Punjab* 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT Host Bob Dosanjh presents informative interviews, religious services, music, community and cultural news, and more for Sikh Canadians. In Punjabi and English. *Masti* 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT Jassi Sandhu Dhandain Wala hosts this weekly half-hour devoted to religious music, youth issues, community affairs and interviews for Sikh Canadians. In Punjabi. *Virasat* 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT A weekly spotlight on religion, culture, current events and community news for Sikh Canadians. In Punjabi. *Jee Aayan Nu* 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT Hosts Jaspreet Lamba and Sarbjit Saroya present devotional readings, insightful interviews and commentaries, comedy, and the latest news from the worlds of film and music for the Sikh community. In Punjabi. *Des Pardes* 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Host Baljinder Singh Atwal explores the music, culture and religion of Sikh Canadians, with a blend of popular and devotional music, reports on political and social events, entertainment previews, and coverage of community happenings. In Punjabi. *Aikam* 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT Host Amarjit Rai delves into Sikh poetry, music and history to create a unique viewing experience for the entire family. In Punjabi. *Taur Punjab Di* 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT A weekly half-hour celebrating the Sikh faith, featuring songs and music videos, coverage of important cultural events and inspirational readings from the Guru Granth Sahib. In Punjabi. *Nawa Rasta Nawi Soch* 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT Jaz Gill, JB and Arshi present a weekly hour for Canada's South Asian community, featuring the best new Hindi and Punjabi music videos, health tips, viewer feedback and commentaries, and much more. In Punjabi and Hindi. *Lashkara* Midnight ET/9 p.m. PT Poonam Bains presents this weekly series for Canada's East Indian and Pakistani communities, featuring religious and folk songs, music videos, and interviews with community leaders and celebrities. In Punjabi and Hindi. NEW TO VISIONTV Bollywood Feature Films 1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT

Toronto, February 8, 2008

New Desi Vision lineup to include the best in Bollywood feature films

Beginning March 1, Saturdays on VisionTV will have a new look.

For many years, the multi-faith and multicultural channel has devoted much of its Saturday schedule to programming for Sikh, Hindu and Muslim Canadians. Now VisionTV is revamping the day’s lineup to better serve South Asian viewers, and introducing a new addition: weekly feature films from Bollywood.

To highlight the change and underline the importance that VisionTV places on its South Asian viewership, the new schedule has been given its own distinct brand: Desi Vision.

Said Mark Prasuhn, VisionTV’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Programming: “We are proud to be the only national basic cable broadcaster offering such an extensive selection of faith, information and entertainment programming for South Asian Canadians. The decision to enhance VisionTV’s Saturday lineup is a sign of our continued commitment to this fast-growing community.”

South Asian Canadians represent one of the country’s largest visible minorities, with a population that is expected to approach two million by 2017.

Bollywood feature films will join the VisionTV Saturday lineup, starting March 1, at 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. PT. The product of Mumbai’s thriving motion picture industry, these immensely popular, action-packed extravaganzas reflect the vibrant face of today’s India, where age-old faith traditions meet fast-paced contemporary culture.

VisionTV has acquired classic titles such as the romance Ek Hi Raasta and the family saga Sooryavansham, starring legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan in one of his most acclaimed performances.

Other Bollywood film highlights include Raincoat, a contemporary romance inspired by traditional Indian literature and classical music, and Krishna Cottage, a tale of love and the supernatural.

Another newcomer to the Saturday lineup, the magazine series Bollywood Gupshup (airing weekly at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT) will deliver reports from the world of South Asian entertainment.

In addition, VisionTV has overhauled its lineup of established South Asian programs, moving a number of titles to new time slots. Viewers will now be able to find mainstays such as Des Pardes and Aikam in prime time.

VisionTV plans to launch an extensive print and outdoor advertising campaign to promote Desi Vision in the South Asian Canadian community.

For more VisionTV programming and schedule information, please visit www.visiontv.ca.

VisionTV, an S-VOX company, is Canada’s multi-faith and multicultural broadcaster, dedicated to programming that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding and tolerance among people of different faiths and cultures.

Desi Vision: Program Lineup - Saturdays, starting March 1, 2008

Aspire TV W.I.U.
9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT
The Singh family – Buddy, Shirley, Sharon and Natalie – host this weekly celebration of Hindu faith and culture. In Hindi and English.

Call of the Minaret
10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT
Host Steve Rockwell presents this weekly series dedicated to helping Canadian Muslims and non-Muslims alike come to a better understanding of Islam. In English.

Gurbani
10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT
Host Raghubir Singh Samagh presents this weekly series dedicated to helping Canadian Sikhs and others reach a better understanding of Sikhism, guided by the community's most respected faith leaders. In Punjabi.

Watno Dur
11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT
Sukhi and Sumeet Nijjar host this hour-long arts and culture program for Canada's Sikh community, featuring popular and devotional music, comedy, interviews, documentary reports and local events coverage. In Punjabi.

Let the Qur’an Speak
Noon ET/9 a.m. PT
Safiyyah Ally hosts this weekly exploration of Islamic scripture, featuring compelling analysis of the Qur'an and reflections on the history and meaning of the message by Shabir Ally. In English.

Visions of Punjab
12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT
Iqbal Mahal and Navjot Brar host this half-hour program for Sikh Canadians, featuring songs of inspiration, music videos, and interviews with leading members of the Punjabi community. In Punjabi, Hindi and English

Punjabi Dharhkan
1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT
Gursharan Mann, Liveleen Singh and Harajan Kaur host this faith and entertainment series for Sikh Canadians, featuring popular and religious music, compelling interviews, fashion tips, community news and more. In Punjabi, Hindi and English.

Gaunda Punjab TV
1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT
Joginder Bassi hosts a weekly half-hour devoted to all aspects of the Sikh faith, featuring religious music, interviews with prominent Sikh Canadians, panel discussions on current events and issues, and community announcements. In Punjabi.

Visions of Pakistan TV
2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
Bashir Khan hosts this weekly look at current events and issues for Canadian Muslims, featuring thought-provoking interviews, discussions about the Qur'an, community news, music and more. In Urdu and English.

NEW TO VISIONTV
Beyond Belief
3 p.m. ET/Noon PT
Harmeet Singh hosts this weekly series for Sikh Canadians, which explores the complex issues facing individuals and families in a multicultural society, from divorce to drug use, and offers insights aimed at helping viewers make smart choices.

NEW TO VISIONTV
Bollywood Feature Films
4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

NEW TO VISIONTV
Bollywood Gupshup
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
This new weekly series provides up-to-the-minute reports from the world of South Asian entertainment. Highlights include interviews with leading Bollywood movie stars, trailers for upcoming films, music videos, reports on fashions and awards, and much more.

Sanjha Punjab
6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT
Host Bob Dosanjh presents informative interviews, religious services, music, community and cultural news, and more for Sikh Canadians. In Punjabi and English.

Masti
7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
Jassi Sandhu Dhandain Wala hosts this weekly half-hour devoted to religious music, youth issues, community affairs and interviews for Sikh Canadians. In Punjabi.

Virasat
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
A weekly spotlight on religion, culture, current events and community news for Sikh Canadians. In Punjabi.

Jee Aayan Nu
8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT
Hosts Jaspreet Lamba and Sarbjit Saroya present devotional readings, insightful interviews and commentaries, comedy, and the latest news from the worlds of film and music for the Sikh community. In Punjabi.

Des Pardes
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Host Baljinder Singh Atwal explores the music, culture and religion of Sikh Canadians, with a blend of popular and devotional music, reports on political and social events, entertainment previews, and coverage of community happenings. In Punjabi.

Aikam
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Host Amarjit Rai delves into Sikh poetry, music and history to create a unique viewing experience for the entire family. In Punjabi.

Taur Punjab Di
11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
A weekly half-hour celebrating the Sikh faith, featuring songs and music videos, coverage of important cultural events and inspirational readings from the Guru Granth Sahib. In Punjabi.

Nawa Rasta Nawi Soch
11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT
Jaz Gill, JB and Arshi present a weekly hour for Canada's South Asian community, featuring the best new Hindi and Punjabi music videos, health tips, viewer feedback and commentaries, and much more. In Punjabi and Hindi.

Lashkara
Midnight ET/9 p.m. PT
Poonam Bains presents this weekly series for Canada's East Indian and Pakistani communities, featuring religious and folk songs, music videos, and interviews with community leaders and celebrities. In Punjabi and Hindi.

NEW TO VISIONTV
Bollywood Feature Films
1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT