Why is/has Astro removing/removed Kirana?
Kirana was offered as a preview channel at no additional cost for a limited period of time to our customers. Channels are tested on a preview basis to enable us to establish appeal and segmental relevance upon which these channels will be slotted into the relevant package eventually. Research shows that Kirana has been receiving poor rating and low viewership. As such we have decided to remove Kirana wef 18 May from the Astro platform. We apologize for any inconvenience.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. When will/did Astro begin the removal of Astro Kirana Channel (122) from its platform?
The removal will be/was from 18 May 2009 onwards.

Q. Why did Astro decide to remove the Astro Kirana Channel from its platform?
Kirana was offered as a preview channel at no additional cost for a limited period of time to our customers. Channels are tested on a preview basis to enable us to establish appeal and segmental relevance upon which these channels will be slotted into the relevant package eventually.
Research shows that Kirana has been receiving poor rating and low viewership. As such we have decided to remove Kirana wef 18 May from the Astro platform.
We apologize for any inconvenience.

Q. What was the viewership rating of the Astro Kirana Channel?
The viewership of Astro Kirana Channel has been declining of late. Its channel share is also low at 2% compared to RIA at 12%.

Q. Will Astro be reducing the cost of its family package now that they have removed the Astro Kirana Channel?
No. Kirana was introduced on Astro platform as preview channel at no additional cost for limited time. As such the issue of price reduction does not arise.

Q. Will Astro be bringing the Kirana Channel back on its platform?
We do not have plans to bring the channel back at this point. However, we will keep our customers informed, should we plan to do so.

Q. Will Astro be introducing more news channels under its free view/preview?
Preview channels on Astro’s platform is only offered as free view basis for a limited time only. However, we are constantly looking at opportunities to offer our customers with more choices of relevant and premium content on our platform.
At this point we do not have plans to introduce more preview channels in the near future. However, when we do introduce new channels, we will keep our customers informed.

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