2 September 2003
Although Indian-Pakistan relations are not as tense as a few months ago, when war seemed a possibility, PEMRA (the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) has ordered the closing of all Indian TV cable channels in Pakistan. The ban has seriously affected business as viewers are discontinuing cable subscriptions when they do not get any popular entertainment in their language. “Over 98 per cent of the viewers on our cable system want to watch popular Urdu (Indian) channels said Malik Furgan, president of the Cable Operator Association.
Cable operators will observe a seven-day countrywide strike if a ban on showing Indian programmes is not lifted.
2 September 2003
Euro1080, a brand new European TV channel, starts broadcasting exclusively in high definition throughout Europe, on January 1st 2004.
The channel will distribute high quality content like sports, music, shows and cultural events.
Euro 1080 will consist of 2 channels: The “Main Channel”, distributing a daily 4 hours’ program to European households and small venues. The “Event Channel” distributing event programs (live or delayed live) to event cinemas.
There will be a press conference at 1730 at the Heineken Music Hall, on Saturday, September 13th in Amsterdam.
2 September 2003
The US Broadcasting Board of Governors has a plan to boost reception of TV Marti in Cuba. This follows the recent spat over alleged Cuban interference with Us broadcasts to Iraq.
Said BBG chairman Tomlinson: “We have been working diligently to strengthen the signals of Radio and TV Marti, to allow the people of Cuba access to uncensored news and information. As part of this effort, I am pleased to announce that we will soon undertake testing to see if TV Marti can be sent to the Cuban people by satellite. This would allow viewers in Cuba to receive the TV Marti signal via state of the art satellite technology through free-to-air reception. Free-to-air means that the satellite signal is not encrypted and can be viewed by anyone with a dish and an ordinary digital receiver. Radio Marti’s signal would also be included in the transmission.
“Hispasat will provide a powerful signal with a footprint that fully covers all of Cuba and nearly all of Latin America. Satellite receivers now on the island that are able to receive direct-to-home, free-to-air can be easily tuned to receive the signal. According to various commercial sources, satellite dishes are being used by more and more Cubans, and the numbers continue to rise
30 August 2003
In a groundbreaking move, the World DAB Forum and Digital Radio Mondiale have announced their co-operation at the IFA consumer electronics event in Berlin, Germany.
The two organisations have agreed to co-operate in fostering conditions that are favourable for both digital systems. It is anticipated that this close collaboration will pave the way for a new genre of future digital radios on the market, enabling listeners to receive any digital radio service without having to worry about the underlying transmission system.
Since DRMs international debut in June of this year, broadcasters are now transmitting live, daily DRM programmes. The next step is for consumers in markets worldwide to have access to DRMs excellent audio and reception quality, said DRM Chairman Peter Senger. DRM is a market-driven system, so we are committed to strategic alliances that will increase listeners options across the globe. We are delighted to collaborate with the World DAB Forum. Since the DRM debut in June, the number of stations transmitting live, daily DRM programs and periodic specials has risen to 26. DRM is showcasing live broadcasts on a range of receivers — including the first, second-generation DRM consumer radio at IFA.
29 August 2003
ABCs Asia Pacific TV network has started its schedule of top-grade information programmes from around the world, including features on medicine, history and music.
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is to be distributed by the Thai Cable Association throughout their networks, and a regional office has been opened in Singapore.
