MUMBAI: 9XM has become the first channel from the INX Media stable to get off the block.

The channel will have its soft launch on 20 October 2007, say channel sources. The music channel, targeted at 16 to 20 year olds, aims to play latest Bollywood hits round the clock, has done away with VJs and makes heavy use of animation during and between shows.

In the INX Media pipeline are 9X, a general entertainment channel and a news channel NewsX, which are to be followed later by regional channels.

INX Media promoter Indrani Mukerjea had confirmed to Indiantelevision.com last month that the GEC would be the first of the channels to be launched this fiscal. However, it is 9XM that has pipped it to the post with its soft launch.

The company is yet to declare the official launch date of the channel. Further details are awaited.