DirecTV Adds Indian News Net

Expanding its international-programming platform, DirecTV Inc. has added NDTV 24X7, India’s most-watched English news channel, to its lineup, officials said Monday.

NDTV 24X7 -- which features news on regional and national developments in Indian politics -- is now available as part of the “DirecTV HindiDirect” programming package at no additional cost. In addition, the network can be bought on an a-la-carte basis for $14.99 per month with the purchase of any DirecTV base programming package.

“DirecTV is responding to the rapid growth of the South Asian community in the United States by delivering a robust lineup of programming that is relevant to their culture,” DirecTV International vice president Aaron McNally said in a prepared statement.

NDTV 24X7’s schedule includes The 9 O’Clock News, forum show The Big Fight, panel show We the People and entertainment program Night Out.