Dialog TV to break-even in four years

Dialog Television is looking at a break-even point in the next four years. "We need to hit 400,000 subscribers to break even and a further 100,000 to get our operations off the red. Subscribers are the key to our success," Chief Executive Officer, Dialog Television, Nushad Perera said.

He said since acquiring CBN Sat in 2006, December they have been able to attract almost 100, 000 subscribers. "To date we have invested over US$ 150 million and looking back we are very happy with our investment," he said.

CBN Sat was out of operation for almost six month said it was a challenge to turn around the company.

Today the business has many overheads with annual channel fees alone running into US $ 80 million. "However we are confident to meet the future with confidence," he said. Perera said he was amazed to see the response for Dialog TV especially in the rural areas that clearly proves that the 'folks' needs quality entertainment.

He also disclosed that for the first time in the world, Dialog TV is still operating a one US $ dollar package which goes to prove that the idea is to connect more people. "Our packages are not only for sports and entertainment.

We offer Animal Planet, history channels and most importantly Education and religious programmes which has great following," he said. Perera said they are also waiting for approvals to launch DVBT, which will allow subscribers to watch celestial channels without paying a subscription through a special booster that will be marketed by Dialog. "This will be the future of television," he said.

"Dialog TV has supported the creation of both Citi Hits and Channel C which has added a new dimension into the broadcasting format of Sri Lankan entertainment," he said.

Dialog TV embarked on a pilot project with the Media Ministry to introduce the DVB broadcasting platform in January 2008.

Apart from this Dialog TV is also making plan to introduce MPEG4 technology to the local broadcasting industry as well, which will provide high definition television. "Dialog TV is currently working towards acquiring added satellite space to include more channels into its current range," he said.

Currently Dialog TV operates Dialog Satellite TV, a Direct-to-Home satellite television service.

Dialog TV supports a broad array of local and international channels which exceed 50 channels in total and include CNN, BBC, HBO, Cinemax, AXN, ESPN, Ten Sports, Discovery Channel, MTV (Music Television) and Cartoon Network, in addition to a wide portfolio of Sri Lankan television channels.

Currently Dialog TV enjoys a subscriber base of over 88,000 and a staff strength of over 100 experienced professionals.