STAR TV chairman Gareth CC Chang told The Financial Express that the company would first put in place a separate team for programming in Hindi before launching its Hindi-language channel.

Gareth is on his first visit to the country which assumes added significance in view of STAR TV re-working its India strategy following STAR's pullout from its joint venture with Zee TV.

Under its new strategy, the company plans to make a foray into several new ventures including kicking off a movie channel, several regional language channels and stepping up Hindi-language programming. This will also include a move into internet-related business.

However, senior company officials indicated that STAR TV has no immediate plans of stepping up investment in the country and will continue with its present set-up till the time the new Broadcasting Bill comes into effect.A company spokesperson said that Chang's visit is directed to acquaint him with STAR's India operations. The India strategy has been under review as part of STAR's overall re-focus on Asia operations, company officials said.

Chang on Monday met with information & broadcasting minister Arun Jaitley along with senior company executives including Rathikant Basu and Peter Mukerjea. He is also scheduled to meet officials and associates in Mumbai.At the company's annual general meet in Australia earlier this month, News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch had said that the company would be looking for new ventures in India following the exit from the alliance with Zee Telefilms. He was optimistic of developments in India, where he said the new government was keen to bring in open market reforms.

Chang will be directly involved in giving finishing touches to STAR's India strategy. He is also executive director of News Corp's board of directors and member of the executive committee responsible for News Corp's activities in Asia.

Chang took over the position of chief executive of STAR TV from Gary Davey who put in his papers last month. Davey who was with STAR for six years has left for Australia. Bruce Churchill, STAR deputy chief executive has taken additional title of chief operative officer.

Industry analysts expect some changes in management India structure in India with STAR's change in strategy.