Tag: France 24

France 24 now in HD in Asia-Pacific region

France 24 has signed a distribution agreement with satellite operator AsiaSat, making its English channel available in HD via AsiaSat 5.

France 24 English HD is currently available exclusively in the Asia-Pacific region and this launch marks an important new step in the channel’s development.

This agreement reinforces the attractiveness of the channel for cable operators, DTH and IPTV as well as for major hotel chains.

Thanks to recent distribution deals in South Korea and the granting of a broadcast license in Vietnam, France 24 is now available to 60 million TV households and more than 300,000 hotel rooms across the Asia-Pacific region.

For further information about how to include France 24 English HD in your offer, please contact Brice Bertrand and David Couret attending CASBAA Convention 2016:

November 10, 2016
France 24 now in HD in Asia-Pacific region

France 24 has signed a distribution agreement with satellite operator AsiaSat, making its English channel available in HD via AsiaSat 5.

France 24 English HD is currently available exclusively in the Asia-Pacific region and this launch marks an important new step in the channel’s development.

This agreement reinforces the attractiveness of the channel for cable operators, DTH and IPTV as well as for major hotel chains.

Thanks to recent distribution deals in South Korea and the granting of a broadcast license in Vietnam, France 24 is now available to 60 million TV households and more than 300,000 hotel rooms across the Asia-Pacific region.

For further information about how to include France 24 English HD in your offer, please contact Brice Bertrand and David Couret attending CASBAA Convention 2016:

November 10, 2016

France 24 launches maiden HD service on AsiaSat 5

MUMBAI: France 24 has launched its first HD service in the world on AsiaSat 5. This marks a milestone for the expanded partnership between France 24 and AsiaSat and their continued commitment to bringing quality international television from France to the Asia-Pacific.

France 24 and AsiaSat have been partners since 2009 when France 24 launched its English language news channel into Asia. In 2010, France 24 further expanded its service with the addition of its French channel on AsiaSat 5. Through AsiaSat 5, France 24 now has access to more than 60 million TV households and close to 300,000 hotel guest rooms in Asia through key carriage agreements with major Asian cable networks, DTH and IPTV platforms, and hotels.

Broadcasting since 1 September, this new HD service transmits free-to-air in English, offering Asian viewers a brand new viewing experience of high quality culture, international news and current events from a French perspective.

Receive France 24’s HD and SD channels free-to-air on AsiaSat 5 (100.5°E) in C-band with the following reception parameters:

Reception Parameters	FRANCE 24 HD	FRANCE 24 SD (English & French channels)
Transponder	C11H	C10H
Downlink Frequency	4040 MHz	4000 MHz
Downlink Polarisation	Horizontal	Horizontal
Transmission Standard	DVB-S2	DVB-S
Compression Standard	MPEG-4	MPEG-2
Modulation	8PSK	QPSK
Symbol Rate	29.72 Msym/sec	28.125 Msym/sec
FEC	5/6	3/4

September 8, 2016

France 24 launches maiden HD service on AsiaSat 5

Receive France 24’s HD and SD channels free-to-air on AsiaSat 5 (100.5°E) in C-band with the following reception parameters:

Reception Parameters	FRANCE 24 HD	FRANCE 24 SD (English & French channels)
Transponder	C11H	C10H
Downlink Frequency	4040 MHz	4000 MHz
Downlink Polarisation	Horizontal	Horizontal
Transmission Standard	DVB-S2	DVB-S
Compression Standard	MPEG-4	MPEG-2
Modulation	8PSK	QPSK
Symbol Rate	29.72 Msym/sec	28.125 Msym/sec
FEC	5/6	3/4

September 8, 2016

The Biggest Wave Makers in the Broadcast industry descend on this year’s CASBAA convention

MUMBAI: In a year of undeniable sea-change within the broadcast industry, the debate at this year’s CASBAA Convention at its new venue at Hong Kong’s Intercontinental Hotel promises to be hotter than ever. With the theme ‘Making Waves’, the convention has secured an impressive line up of speakers comprising of key industry players from all over the world. From global media giants such as AOL and Virgin Media to regional players such as China Media Capital, this year’s convention will waste no time in getting to the heart of the most pertinent issues facing the cable and satellite industry today.

With over-the-top– or OTT – inall its forms and formats being one of the biggest stories on the broadcast industry landscape this year, the topic will take pride of place at this year’s convention. Over the course of the convention, a wide range of issues related to OTT such as content, revenue-drivers, technologies, audience behaviors and regulation will be on the agenda.

“Whilst we cannot deny the role that linear TV will continue to play a role in the region, we must face the reality that OTT is here to stay and adapt accordingly,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “The simple truth is that companies that fail to evolve will be left behind. By taking a look at some of the best practices in the industry, both in our neck of the woods and further afield, it is our belief that the CASBAA Convention will help our members find ways to navigate – and even conquer – these unchartered seas.”

Following an official welcome from Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, AOL’s Digital Prophet, David Shing will kick-start proceedings with an overview of the ever-evolving landscape, focusing on how OTT is now permeating every aspect of the content industry. Giving a UK perspective, Tom Mockridge of Virgin Media will discuss how the broadcast and digital landscapes have become increasingly intertwined and how Virgin has become a leader in this space.

With news hot off the press of his new venture with Warner Bros., Li Ruigang of China Media Capital will be giving the China keynote speech. He will discuss how his investment strategy has helped establish him as one of the major players in the region bridging both the Chinese and international media landscape. Greg Beitchman from CNN and Mark Howard from Forbes will look at driving revenue streams in what is becoming an increasingly digital landscape, while content providers AlonShtruzman from Keshet Media and Mike Hyun-dong Suh from CJ E&M will look at key trends in the content market across Asia. Covering off the latest developments in how technology is being used in the broadcast arena will be David Downey from Invidiand Sam Rogoway from Victorious. Gwynne Shotwell from SpaceX will be boldly going where no CASBAA speaker has gone before to look at how space technology will not only revolutionize the media industry but life as we know it.

This year, CASBAA will also hold an additional conference on the Monday prior to the convention at the Sheraton Hong Kong to discuss the topic ‘Making Online Advertising Click’. With a view to looking at best practices in the online advertising space, Detective Chief Superintendent, David Clark from the City of London Police Force will discuss what policies have worked for them in the UK, while Dr. Paul Watters will release some updated research on the nefarious places respectable brands can appear online. A host of other speakers from the media to welfare sectors will also take part in this session.

Sponsors for the CASBAA Convention 2015include: ABS, Accedo, Akamai, AMC, APT Satellite, AsiaSat, Brightcove, Conax, France 24, Ideal Group, InvestHK, Irdeto, ITV Choice, Kantar Media,Letv, MEASAT, MediaExcel, nowTV, PwC, RTL CBS Asia, Scripps Networks Interactive, SES, Time Warner, True Visions, Turner and TV5Monde.

September 29, 2015
Breaking news, the French way

MUMBAI: The French public news channel France 24 has been available on cable TV since December 2010. However, it is only now that the channel is going all out to announce its arrival to Indian audiences.

Earlier this month, France 24 inked deals with two DTH platforms, Dish TV and DD Direct+ to increase its reach to 38 million viewers from just 7 million on cable TV.

And soon, a slew of advertisements will appear in newspapers and out-of-home (OOH) media, with French major Gedeon as the creative agency of choice.

The channel, which aims to offer India a glimpse of the world essentially through French eyes, has kicked-off promotional campaigns with the tagline ‘World news made in France’ in leading newspapers and magazines, including The Times of India, Hindustan Times, India Today and Time Out. Apart from this, outdoor hoardings will be seen at the Delhi Airport and Metro junctions for three months.

Says France Monde Group CEO and chairwoman Marie-Christine Saragosse: “In terms of distribution, India represents a substantial and strategic market for us. Over the years, India has become a major player on the international scene and now it’s time for France 24 to be available to the largest possible audience across the country. That’s the reason why our long-term objective is to establish the channel as a reference and make its presence durable to Indian viewers. But to do so, we need to reach more and more TV households, increase the channel’s profile and the visibility of its programs.”

Distributed across the country by Catvision, the FTA channel has also launched India-centric programmes to air till the end of this month.

“France 24 is an international news channel, therefore our reports and coverage depend on the international agenda but one thing is sure, we’ll be increasing our coverage of all major news in India and in its region,” says Saragosse, adding that India has been quoted over 250 times on the website, either in articles or TV reports, since the beginning of the year.

Saragosse feels that Indians will know the way the French see and present news

“Our India-based journalists in the region are permanently on alert and covering every event related to the country live in our news bulletins and reports,” she says, informing that two teams have been operating from Delhi and Mumbai since the channel’s worldwide launch in 2006.

The French diaspora in India is pegged at approximately 10,000 while according to the International Organization of the Francophonie, there are around 2.6 French-speaking people in India.

So is France 24 mainly catering to this segment? “It is obviously important for us to target the French speakers and the French expatriates. Nevertheless, the biggest potential in the region remains the English-speaking market. That’s why we want to address the English speakers with our English version in India. Anyone with a connection to France is a plus, but our French perspective on news is quite universal and it is today making the difference: with 41.7 million TV viewers each week, France 24 has found its rightful place in the global news international concert. It gives a French perspective to international current events through diversity of opinions, debate, contradiction and confrontation of viewpoints,” says Saragosse.

A media planner however pointed out that the ad campaign, while showing France 24’s POV, doesn’t really connect with Indian audiences. “It will not be easy for them to garner a mass audience. At the same time, BBC is an established brand already for international news. They might also be doing the same: building the brand name in the country,” he says.

Another planner though felt the deals would add value to the channel by making it more visible to viewers in the country.

Right now, France 24 isn’t earning any revenue from advertising as it is a foreign channel and an FTA. It has also burnt a hole in its pocket in carriage and advertising fees. “Discussing everything; that’s undoubtedly part of the French way of life. And I am pretty sure you’ll like it,” Saragosse signs off.

November 16, 2013
France 24 readies itself for Indian audiences

MUMBAI: This week, France 24, the international English news channel has lined up a number of shows that are focused on India, as part of its campaign to boost viewership in the country.

The channel launched on two DTH platforms earlier this month – DD Direct+ and Dish TV making it available to an additional 31 million households in the country. Seven million homes already receive it through cable.

A cultural show depicting the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, 100 years of Indian cinema and Indian gastronomy along with three personalities speaking – fashion designer Ritu Beri, actress Nandita Das, Impresario restaurant CEO Gresham Fernandes – was telecasted yesterday with repeats throughout today.

A debate on ‘at the heart of the next world power’ will see the likes of HRD minister Shashi Tharoor, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitaraman, founder of Kali Urvashi Butalia and Sunstone Business school co-founder Rajul Garg on the show tonight. Interviews with Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej, screenwriter Anand Gandhi, JSW Steel chairman Sajjan Jindal and Future Group CEO Kishore Biyani will be shown this week.

Reports on the rollout of the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) in the country and an online platform called Digital Green will also be a part of their upcoming FCP (Fixed Chart Point).

The channel wants to make a space for itself in the heart of Indian audiences. The channel was officially launched in Delhi yesterday.

November 12, 2013
France 24 to launch on DD DIRECT + and DISH TV to 31 million additional households in India

FRANCE 24 has concluded a new distribution agreement in India and will be available on free-to-air Direct-To-Home service (DTH) DD DIRECT +. Owned by public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, the platform will begin broadcasting FRANCE 24 English version on November 1st.

Thanks to this agreement, FRANCE 24 will also be available on DISH TV basic offer, the n°1 private satellite operator in the country.

Thanks to this new agreement – which represents the most important deployment for the channel on the Asian market – FRANCE 24 will now be available 24/7 to 31 million additional households across the country. These will be in addition to the 7 million households that already receive the channel via cable.
One in every four Indian televised households can now access FRANCE 24 and a special operation will take place in New Delhi in November to mark this major agreement.

For more real time information on FRANCE 24’s distribution worldwide, go to: http://f24.my/ijOOim

October 13, 2013
France 24 expands distribution in key markets

MUMBAI: International news network France 24 has concluded a series of new distribution agreements, allowing the channel to strengthen its worldwide distribution in Denmark, Burma, Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

In Denmark, the French and the Arabic versions of France 24 have joined the English version on the Digital terrestrial network (DTT) operated by Open Channel in Copenhagen. This new agreement allows France 24 to be available in three languages to 700,000 households throughout the Danish capital city.

In Burma, France 24 English version has just launched on the new IPTV network Skynet (channel 45), allowing the channel to be available to 50 000 subscribers across the country.

The news broadcaster has also signed an agreement with Telkom Vision in Indonesia which will ensure France 24 English version‘s availability on the operator‘s cable, IPTV and DTH offers. France 24 is now accessible to an additional 100,000 subscribers in major Indonesian cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang and Denpasar.

France 24 has extended its agreement with Singtel, the largest telecommunications company in Singapore, allowing its English version to be available on the operator mobile offer to 90 000 subscribers (Mobile TV subscribers).

In Thailand, France 24 is now available on major IPTV operator ME TV. France 24 English version is now available 24/7 in the basic offer, while the French version will be available "?-la-carte" for 220 Bahts (5,5 Euros) per month.

In Australia, France 24 has partnered with SBS, allowing its English version to be broadcast 30mn per day at 3pm on SBS ONE. This 30-minute news segment is also available for free on the Australian network website.

January 3, 2013
Al Jazeera, France 24 get I&B nod to beam in India

MUMBAI: Al Jazeera and France 24 have finally got approval to beam their English language channels in India.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry granted the downlink licence last week, paving the way for the cable and satellite companies in India to add these channels to their lineup.

For Al Jazeera, it has been a four-year wait. The India feed will allow Indian audiences to view the channel that is known for a slant to news that is different from the western style of presentation.

“This is an exciting breakthrough that has been in the works for several years, and we are extremely pleased that Al Jazeera English‘s groundbreaking news and programming will soon be available in India,” Al Jazeera English MD Al Anstey said.

Al Jazeera had applied for government approval way back in 2006.

“We know there is a great demand for our content. Through our dedicated resources in India, Al Jazeera is already presenting important stories from India to our global audience in more than 100 countries,” said Anstey.

The company is expecting to reach to over 115 million households in India. “With the prospect of reaching an estimated 115 million households in India, this important market will be significant as we continue to expand our global reach,” India region distribution head Diana Hosker said.

Al Jazeera English currently has a bureau in New Delhi, headed by Anmol Saxena.

Saxena said, “With India‘s increasing engagement in world affairs and strong interest in international events, we are certain that Al Jazeera English will have a substantial following throughout the country.”

Al Jazeera English was launched in 2006 and today has 65 news bureaus around the world. The channel has over 1,000 employees worldwide, representing more than 50 nationalities. The channel is currently available in over 100 countries, reaching more than 220 million households around the world.

As for France 24, it will broadcast in English in India. Primarily broadcast in Europe from December 2006, France 24 is broadcast across the world round-the-clock with the same content in French, English and Arabic.

December 7, 2010