amil satellite channel Vijay TV is serious about two things - comedy and women. It launched a slew of comedy shows on July 19 which it hopes will wean away the womenfolk from rival channels.

The new programmes of Vijay include Sakkalakala Sarala, Idhu Eppadi Irukku, Kadavul Pathee Mirugam Pathee and Lollu Sabha. Telecast at 9.00 pm - a slot mostly devoted to family soaps - these shows are most likely to find women audiences. "There was a latent need for alternative genres at this time slot which we are trying to fill," says Harsh Rohatgi, deputy general manager, regional channels, Vijay TV. ... more