19 January 2016
Globecast, the global solutions provider for media, has been chosen by Russian broadcaster Channel One to help them reach the European market (via HotBird) and Asia (via AsiaSat 5), extending its reach to new audiences. Globecast is providing dual illumination on HotBird with an MPEG-4 channel in addition to the existing MPEG-2 service it provides for the broadcaster.
The leading Russian language channel carries a mix of news, documentaries, feature film productions, as well as entertainment content. Channel One’s existing content stream is being re-broadcast to audiences in these new territories, benefiting from Globecast’s global presence and network capacity.
The live signal from Channel One is received at Globecast’s Moscow PoP and delivered to London. From there it’s uplinked to HotBird for onward European transmission. For Asian audiences, the signal is forwarded to Hong Kong for uplinking to AsiaSat 5.
The addition of an MPEG-4 channel – and the current dual illumination – means that Channel One can smoothly migrate from its existing MPEG-2 SD channel as and when required.
Biliana Pumpalovic, General Director at Globecast Moskva in Russia, said, “We’re delighted to be helping Channel One make this important step in increasing its reach by delivering its content to a new audience. This partnership is also a good illustration of how Globecast can ensure customers meet both their current and future business objectives in a cost effective way, with no disruption to their service; the dual MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 illumination means that Channel One can make the transition seamlessly, as needed.” (Source: Globecast press release)
14 January 2016
Al Jazeera Media Network on Wednesday announced from Doha its intention to expand its existing international digital services to broaden its multi-platform presence in the United States. As audiences increasingly turn to multiple platforms, including mobile devices, for news and information, this expansion will allow US and non-US consumers alike to access the Network’s journalism and content wherever and whenever they want.
The expanded digital platform will augment the Network’s successful current digital offerings, including AJ+ which has achieved more than two billion online video views since its inception in September 2014.
The Network’s commitment to its digital transformation of its global operations is consistent with its mission to inform and engage audiences no matter who or where they are. By expanding its digital content and distribution services to now include the US, the Network will be better positioned to innovate and compete in an overwhelmingly digital world to serve today’s 24-hour digitally focused audience.
Over the coming months the Network intends to provide more details around the forthcoming expansion of its multi-platform digital services to the US.
Separately, Al Anstey, CEO of Al Jazeera America, today announced that Al Jazeera America would cease operation by April 30, 2016. While Al Jazeera America built a loyal audience across the US and increasingly was recognised as an important new voice in television news, the economic landscape of the media environment has driven its strategic decision to wind down its operations and conclude its service. Al Jazeera America is committed to conducting this process in a way that is consistent with its respect for colleagues.
Anstey said: “I have witnessed and worked alongside some of the most talented people any organisation could wish for. Since its launch in 2013, the work done by the team at Al Jazeera America has been recognised with nearly every major award an American news organisation can receive. I greatly respect the unrivalled commitment and excellent work of our team, which has created great journalism. We have increasingly set ourselves apart from all the rest, and the achievements of the past two-and-a-half years should be a source of immense pride for everyone.”
Source: www.aljazeera.com
14 January 2016
Progressive political journalist Ed Schultz is joining RT America, beginning January 25, 2016, to host his new primetime news program, ‘NEWS WITH ED SHULTZ’ at 8pm EST weeknights. On his new show, Schultz will focus on exploring issues that most affect working Americans, particularly within the context of the upcoming US presidential election.
“Ed Schultz is one of the best-known and well-respected progressive commentators in America,” said Margarita Simonyan, RT’s Editor-in-Chief. “With Ed helming a show, we are continuing the tradition of collaborating with top international journalistic talent that engages our audience by providing in-depth coverage, analysis and commentary on important but underreported issues to millions of US viewers.”
WATCH PROMO: http://youtu.be/qj9BC4C53OY
“I am very excited to be joining RT,” said Ed Schultz. “The network is firmly established outside of US corporate media and is not afraid to give a platform to diverse voices, stories and perspectives to its viewers, even if it ruffles some mainstream feathers. I can’t think of a better fit than a news broadcaster that bullishly pursues issues that matter to hardworking Americans.”
Schultz’s broadcasting career spans more than two decades. Until recently, he hosted “The Ed Show” on MSNBC; the program was consistently the second-highest rated show on the channel. Schultz has won three Eric Sevareid Awards, managed a broadcast team that won two Marconi Radio Awards and a Peabody Award, and has been named one of the top 10 radio hosts in the country by Talkers Magazine for several years. He will work out of the RT America studios in Washington, DC.
Schultz is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he achieved All-American status and led the nation in passing as a football quarterback. (Source: RT press release)
12 January 2016
Kymeta Corporation and Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, are making the next evolution of connected car a reality. The companies will combine Intelsat’s leadership in space-based communication with Kymeta’s innovative antenna technology to bring high speed connectivity to cars on a global basis. This will enable the creation of new services on every continent, support software over-the-air applications, advance the potential for autonomous driving and pave the way for the future of the connected car.
Last month, in an industry first, Kymeta and Intelsat proved that a “dish” ground antenna was unnecessary for on-the-move satellite connectivity. The team recently completed an 8,000 mile demonstration across the United States using the Kymeta satellite-enabled test car. Over the course of the journey, the mTenna™ technology, embedded into the roof of the automobile, automatically acquired and tracked Intelsat Ku-band satellite signals while on the move.
The future of automotive connectivity is being revolutionized by high throughput satellite connectivity, combined with advancements in software-enabled, metamaterials-based electronic beamforming antenna technology. Together, the technologies allow for connected car solutions that address critical requirements including reliable and consistent service availability, economic multicast distribution, and global ubiquity of service levels with an unmatched security environment. In order to enable software over the air, unlock the new services for streamed content that consumers expect and support advancements in autonomous driving, the industry needs the efficient, consistent connectivity options and a global, scalable solution that only satellite can provide.
“Satellite connectivity can best address the capacity, coverage and security concerns of conventional solutions to car connectivity. Better yet, these assets are available now. We don’t have to wait 10 years for a next generation cellular network to be invented and deployed,” said Dr. Nathan Kundtz, Chief Executive Officer of Kymeta. “This will be crucial because five years from now, every car that comes off a production line should be connected. In fact, we should stop calling it the ‘connected car’, and just call it ‘the car’ because this is the future of automotive.”
“The automotive sector is a global business, where scalability and quality are essential to success,” said Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler. “We are enhancing the world’s largest satellite-broadband infrastructure with our next generation fleet, Intelsat EpicNG, allowing us to deliver highly efficient broadband services in the air, sea, and with Kymeta, to the automotive sector. With our global connectivity, automotive manufacturers and car owners alike will benefit from consistent, highly reliable and secure connectivity, literally anywhere in the world. Intelsat is confident that the future of connected car means satellite-enabled.”
Kymeta’s satellite antennas remove the need for mechanical components by using software to electronically track and steer towards satellites. This ensures that connectivity is maintained regardless of location, and gives manufacturers the ability to use a simple push-notification for software upgrades to guarantee futureproof technology. Working together, Kymeta and Intelsat will ensure that mobility customers are able to receive fast, reliable and cost-effective connectivity regardless of location. (Source: Intelsat press release)
6 January 2016
The new Executive Committee of the Association for International Broadcasting has been elected by AIB Members.
Four of the existing Executive Committee Members stood for re-election and were unanimously voted in for a second two-year term. Six candidates from across the AIB’s international membership were nominated for the remaining two places on the six person Committee.
The new Executive Committee – which provides governance of the AIB’s permanent Secretariat and assists with the formulation of the AIB’s strategic direction and overall work plan – is now comprised of:
Anastasia Ellis, Managing Editor, Bloomberg Media EMEA
Simon Kendall, Head of Business Development, BBC World Service
Klaus Bergmann, Director of International Relations, Deutsche Welle
John Maguire, Director of International Development, France Médias Monde
Alexey Nikolov, Managing Editor, Russia Today
Travis W.K. Sun, Vice President, Radio Taiwan International
The Committee members hold office for a two-year period.
6 January 2016
Each year, the AIB publishes a calendar of media events around the world that we believe are worthwhile gatherings. The diverse list is constantly updated through the year, enabling you to keep on top of what’s happening in different markets globally, and where you and your colleagues should devote energy in seeing and being seen!
Check out this year’s calendar here.
And do let us know of other events that should be included – we love personal recommendations!
