21 March 2014
BBC Urdu has announced the re-launch of its TV programme, Sairbeen, on Pakistan’s Aaj News channel and online on bbcurdu.com. From Monday 31 March, the new-look Sairbeen will be broadcast live from London by Aaj News and streamed on bbcurdu.com at 19.30 PST (14.30 GMT) Monday to Friday, covering key global and regional issues.
Sairbeen developed a loyal audience base across Pakistan following its first broadcast in February 2013. Now re-launched in a more concise and dynamic format, as a Monday to Friday programme, Sairbeen returns to the screens as a live broadcast with BBC Urdu’s trademark editorial offer for Pakistan’s TV market. It will also become an essential, prime-time addition to the news schedule of Aaj News.
Recent surveys in Pakistan show that the BBC continues to be perceived as trustworthy and accurate. On trust, the BBC ranks highest among international broadcasters in Pakistan. BBC Urdu Editor, Aamer Ahmed Khan, comments:
“The feedback we get is very clear: there is a demand for Sairbeen on TV, for its breadth of coverage, connecting the local with the global, and for its independent, balanced and distinctive approach to any story. In Pakistan’s volatile environment, we are committed to helping our viewers understand the world and how the world sees Pakistan. We are thrilled to be coming back to the TV screens in Pakistan on Aaj News channel.”
In its new format, Sairbeen continues to expand on its basic premise of strong original journalism, drawing on the BBC’s unparalleled international newsgathering presence. Underpinned by regional reporting from BBC Urdu correspondents in Washington, Delhi and across Pakistan, and by in-depth analysis from BBC Urdu’s leading journalists, Sairbeen brings a different and more global perspective to news and important contemporary issues. Arts, technology, travel and social media are also within the programme’s focus.
Sairbeen is presented by Aliya Nazki, voted the best emerging current-affairs anchor by a leading media watchdog. It is also presented by Shafi Naqi Jamie, one of BBC Urdu’s most experienced and well-known broadcasters.
Aliya Nazki says: “I have been counting down to Sairbeen’s re-launch in this new, exciting format, and looking forward to reconnecting with viewers in Pakistan and wherever they are in the world. We welcome back to Sairbeen all those who want to get to the heart of the story and understand the ‘why’ behind the news. Come and live the story with us! ”
Aaj News Group COO Shahab Zuberi says: “It is a matter of great honour and prestige for Aaj News to collaborate with BBC. Sairbeen is an excellent addition to our schedule as it brings top-quality, independent news and information to anyone who wants to keep abreast of regional and world developments.”
Sairbeen will be aired at 19:30 PST Monday to Friday. Each edition of Sairbeen will be repeated on Aaj News at 11.00 on the following day and will be available on bbcurdu.com on demand until the next broadcast.
BBC Urdu is part of BBC World Service. (Source: Press release)
19 March 2014
RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd., a leading provider of digital content management and global content distribution services to the broadcasting industry, announced today the opening of RRsat America’s corporate office to locally support the U.S. media market with a comprehensive array of end-to-end digital media services.
Consumer demand for the highest-quality entertainment experience at home and on every screen is growing rapidly, complicating the production and distribution operations of media content owners and distributors. To answer this challenge, RRsat is expanding its services, fortifying operations in the U.S. with an experienced management team and overhauling key infrastructure, especially its New York Metro teleport and broadcast facility.
“Enhancing our presence and local solutions in the U.S. market is an important strategic initiative and a key part of our global expansion program,” commented Avi Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of RRsat. “We are excited about this move, as it puts RRsat right at the center of one of the world’s most innovative digital media markets, with a comprehensive offering which meets the complex needs of today’s content owners and distributors. RRsat has a strong global presence with upper tier customers throughout the world and we are well-equipped to handle America’s content distribution needs.”
RRsat America benefits from the robust infrastructure and capabilities of its corporate branch, including the RRsat’s leading global network that reaches 95% of the world’s population and offers worldwide, flexible, distribution solutions. This enables
RRsat America to offer new business opportunities for content monetization by providing innovative media management, monetization and global content distribution services to more places, in more ways, on more devices – now locally from the U.S.
RRsat America’s complete end-to-end offering includes:
· Global content acquisition and distribution
· Local access to our global content management and preparation services
· Sports and live event solutions
· Online video solutions
Leading the U.S. team is Ohad Har-Lev, President of RRsat America, who previously served as Managing Director of RRsat’s Mobile Satellite Services. The rest of the RRsat America management team is comprised of industry veterans, including
Douglas Parrish, former EVP Global Operations at Ascent Media Group, EVP/ CTO at the Walt Disney Internet Group, and SVP Operations at Move Networks; as well as Susanna Mandel-Mantello, who founded SM2 Sports & Media Solutions, after serving as the Director of International Broadcasting for the NHL.
“Our services have already proven to meet the rigorous demands of delivering some of the most popular live events in America to viewers worldwide, such as the past few NFL seasons, including the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl,” said Mr. Har-Lev. “The expansion of our already substantial U.S. presence will enable us to offer extended capabilities and value-added services to meet the ever-growing demand in the American market.” (Source: press release)
18 March 2014
Regional broadcaster, Channel NewsAsia, is migrating to a new generation satellite, AsiaSat 7, C-Band, with effect from 31 March 2014. All traffic on the current AsiaSat 3S will be moved with no changes to its parameters or other viewing options.
AsiaSat 7 is designed to replace the aging AsiaSat 3S which was launched in 1999 with a 15-year design life and would reach its scheduled retirement in 2014.
The migration is being handled by engineers from AsiaSat and MediaCorp, and does not affect viewers or operators.
On Wednesday 19 March Channel NewsAsia presents:
MH370 Special: Passport to Crime
The mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 exposed the fact that some passengers had boarded the doomed flight with stolen passports. We follow their trail from check-in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Thailand and an underworld of passport crime. How did this happen? And what price are we going to pay? The Director of Interpol calls passport fraud the most serious security threat in the world. So, why has it been ignored for so long? We profile the security experts and investigators who are battling to track down the syndicates behind this trade – and ask why airports and airlines refuse to crack down.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014, 8.00pm (Sin/HK/MNL time)
Encore telecasts
Wednesday, 19 March, 12.30am
Thursday, 20 March, 5.00am
Friday, 21 March, 1.00pm
Saturday, 22 March, 6.00am
Sunday, 23 March, 3.00am
17 March 2014
Globecast has been chosen as the content delivery service provider for London Live, a new TV channel dedicated to London scheduled to launch on 31 March 2014. Globecast will provide turnkey connectivity for London Live, including satellite capacity and uplink, for UK subscribers of the Sky DTH satellite service. London Live will be available to Sky customers on channel 117.
London Live is London’s first dedicated 24/7 TV entertainment channel, offering Londoners the latest in arts, news, current affairs, sports, and events as is part of a wider trend towards localised content. London Live is owned by ESTV. ESTV won the London television franchise auction in February 2013, launching 31st March 2014. It will be available on Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159 as well as being available in non-linear digital formats. ESTV is 100 per cent owned by Lebedev Holdings.
“We are extremely excited to be involved with the launch of London Live, the first 24-hour channel devoted exclusively to London and Londoners,” said Juliet Bayliss, Sales Director for Globecast UK. “In entrusting us with its new flagship channel, this is providing strong market validation of Globecast’s industry leadership and technical excellence. We’re looking forward to applying our experience and content delivery expertise to make London Live a resounding success.” (Source: press release)
16 March 2014
Arab Satellite Communication Organization -ARABSAT- announces the release of a Request for Proposal for the procurement of four new satellites to be designated HS3, HS4, AR6E and AR6A.
The new satellites will be positioned at three different orbital locations with a vast coverage over Middle-Eastern, African, Asian and European markets with high power DTH payload in Ku bands and Ka spot beams capacities. Arabsat CEO Khalid Balkhyour commented: “The RFP for Arabsat’s 6th generation satellites reflects the company’s views on the exciting growth opportunities ahead of us and our commitment to capitalize on these opportunities.”
The two new HS3 and HS4 satellites will be favorable to the replacement of Hellas-Sat’s current HS2 at 39° East orbital slot with additional capacities in Ku and Ka bands payload brought to customers with great flexibilities. HS4 will, additionally, provide Arabsat with prime Ku-band capacity over Europe and the Mediterranean which will complement the existing in-orbit capacity . The current Hellas-Sat 2 covers Eastern Europe, part of the Middle East and South Africa.
ARB6E and ARB6A will have payload capacities in Ku and Ka bands. They will be dedicated to support the growth of ARABSAT’s business and provide in-orbit backup capacity to its customers; and to serve the increase in the markets demand for satellite capacities and services over the Middle-east, Africa and Asia. All four satellites are set to launch in 2016 and 2017.
Proposals are due no later than May 1st 2014, and it is ARABSAT who will manage this tender and pertinent contracts, which will be awarded through a full and open competition.
(Source: Arabsat press release)
