Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera has launched a Mandarin web-based ‘channel’, targeting an audience of 1.4 billion potential viewers. The launch is part of Al Jazeera’s plan to engage with Chinese audiences and will add to its existing input within Chinese social media platforms. “Today we are witnessing another of Al Jazeera’s milestones in expanding […]
The BBC dominated the Christmas Day TV ratings, with eight of the 10 most popular broadcasts, coming courtesy of the public broadcaster. A Christmas special of Mrs Brown’s Boys topped the charts with 1 in 3 viewers (32.6 per cent) tuning in for the “comedy” show. The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special and episodes of […]
Troubled specialist satellite operator Avanti used the Christmas break to issue its slew of bad news contained within its end-of-year results. December 27th saw the statement unveiled, for its trading year to June 30th. Revenues for the year were just $56.6 million (€47m), down a dramatic $26.2 million on the already worrying 2016 revenues of […]
Proving that there are still some untapped sub-genres, the Cowboy Channel has launched on DirecTV (Channel 603). The channel was already available to DISH subscribers in the US, and most cable MSOs. The channel has been around for some time. Initially launched in 1979 as the National Christian Network, it morphed into FamilyNet back in […]
Spacecom, the operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, has announced that Nepal’s Dish Media Network has furthered its long-term connection on the AMOS-4 satellite with a contract for more capacity. AMOS-4, from its 65°E prime orbital position, provides a wide array of satellite services to customers from South Asia to East Africa. Dish Media Network […]
Three offenders involved in a Hong Kong piracy syndicate which circumvented pay-TV channels have been sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 21 to 27 months. The case stemmed from action in 2014 by Hong Kong Customs authorities, who raided four residential premises, a warehouse and a commercial electronics retail outlet, arresting nine people and seizing 38 […]
The UK Government has revealed an ambitious plan that could see train passengers benefit from a dramatic improvement in onboard mobile and Wi-Fi connections. The rapid growth of mobile data requirements and the use of smartphones and tablets now means that consumers expect high quality, reliable connectivity everywhere. As part of its 5G strategy the […]
The continued availability of the Discovery and Eurosport pay-TV channels on Finnish multiplay telco DNA’s platforms at the turn of the year has been assured, with DNA and Discovery reaching an agreement regarding the distribution of the channels. The discontinuation would have affected the viewing of many channels on cable and terrestrial networks as well […]
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Saudi Arabia wants $6 billion from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in order to free him from detention. Bloomberg’s ‘Billionaire Index’ says that the Prince is the 57th richest person in the world, but despite his commercial clout, has been held in the now infamous Riyadh Ritz Carlton hotel […]
SES has welcomed victory in five out of six appeals at the European Union’s Court of Justice which examined earlier verdicts and judgements which favoured the Kingdom of Spain, two Abertis affiliates and various Spanish regions in the case of the Spanish state aids to digital television. The core arguments concern state-funded aid to help […]