Network18’s Global Broadcast News (GBN) and the Lokmat Group has made announcement about the launching of a 24-hour Marathi News and Current Affairs Channel ‘IBN-Lokmat.’

The new channel will go on air from 6 April.

Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN and IBN7, will be the Executive Editor of the channel, whereas Nikhil Wagle will be its Editor.
 
IBN Lokmat’s high-tech studio is situated at Vikhroli, and it will set out on the principle of delivering news with the courage of Chala, Jag Jinkuya! (literally meaning let’s conquer the world).

The channel would upgrade itself via its network associate Network18 Group and run commercials on CNN-IBN, IBN-7, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC TV 18 as well as other media.

With reporters in every region of Maharashtra, and access to nationwide as well as worldwide networks, IBN Lokmat guarantees to be a bridge between Maharashtra and the broader world.

Nikhil Wagle, IBN-Lokmat editor said, “The channel will talk in contemporary Marathi, be inclusive in its approach, will not mince words when it comes to taking up an issue and shall be highly interactive and informative. Over a period of time, the channel will become the most dependable source of information in Marathi across Media. The channel will focus on Maharashtra and not only on Mumbai.”

Rajdeep Sardesai stated, “IBN-Lokmat will be tailored on the lines of CNN-IBN and IBN7 and hence the spotlight will continue to stay rooted on the journalistic spirit of 'Whatever it Takes'. With editorial integration between GBN and Lokmat, we hope to become the voice of Maharashtra and the channel's content will not only reflect the mood of the viewers, but will also successfully influence popular opinion.”
 
The channel’s programming will be informatory with a holistic mix of information from different fields, which includes local, regional, national, international, sports, movies, theatre, fashion, etc.

Vijat Darda, Lokmat Group chairman told, “The joint-venture will blend together Lokmat's reach and understanding of the Marathi mind and GBN's world class standards to create a credible Marathi news channel. I am confident that this relationship will further expand and strengthen this endeavor that is IBN-Lokmat.“