BBC World has been presented with an Industry Innovator Award by the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI), in recognition of the channels success in using satellites to distribute its signal around the globe.
Over the past five years, BBC World has secured innovative commercial arrangements with satellite operators and satellite platform operators to ensure that as many viewers as possible have access to the channel.
When it was launched in its present form in January 1995, the BBCs commercially funded 24-hour international news and information channel was available only in Europe, India and the Middle East, to 24 million homes. It has increased its reach eleven-fold in the subsequent nine years, now spanning the globe, reaching around 260 million homes, and receiving international acclaim for its output.
Hubbed from the UK, BBC World uses a combination of eight different streams, including both analogue and digital signals. A total of 30 satellites give global contribution and distribution to regional playout centres and platform operators in every necessary format.
The SSPI is the professional development society of the global satellite industry. The awards were introduced in 1993, and previous winners include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. National Science Foundation and Comsat General. BBC World received its award at a gala ceremony in Washington D.C. on Wednesday 3rd March.
Jeff Hazell, Director of Sales and Distribution at BBC World, said: Through creative use of digital technology and satellite systems, BBC World is now recognised as a global brand and as a balanced, accurate and trusted source of news. Were honoured that the SSPI has chosen to recognise our achievements in this way.