KOLKATA: ETV Bangla, a Bengali general entertainment channel (GEC), under the belt of Network18, is up for a revamp. The channel is working towards changing its existing look in order to cater to its target group.

“In keeping with the plans we have launched Byomkesh Bakshi as well as a programme which has a mass connect like Rannagharer Roskstar with Mithun Chakraborty,” said ETV Bangla business head Sujay Kutty.

ETV Bangla, in order to garner huge viewership, had a few months ago launched a dedicated afternoon time band called Duronto Dupur. The channel as part of this created original content. “There has definitely been an amazing response for the different kinds of programme as it spreads across viewers of all age groups,” Kutty added.

The channel had recently premiered Byomkesh Bakshi for its viewers. “Premiere is usually for movies and not TV programmes, especially on ground. However, we had a grand premiere like a movie,” he said.

ETV Bangla plans to compete with market leaders by producing original content in Bengal to increase its viewership.

The Bengal GEC market is mainly dominated by Star Jhalsa and Zee Bangla. While earlier the noon slot had reruns of the evening programmes, ETV Bangla has differentiated itself by airing original content. The channel that first launched an afternoon time band has now also launched cookery and detective shows. With this, the GEC is also looking at some share in this monopoly market.

Being a GEC, ETV Bangla provides a variety of programmes- including cultural events, family dramas, movies, debates, children's programmes and tourism, among other shows. Some of the original programmes on the channel are Prathamar Rannaghar,  Jhalak Dikhlaja Bangla, Ranga Mathaye Chiruni, Bigg Boss Bangla and Sadhok Bamakhyapa among others.