Xinhua's CNC World English Channel Selects Three Eutelsat Satellites For Reach Across Europe, Middle East And Africa

 

 

16 December 2010

CNC World, the English channel of Xinhua News Agency's TV arm CNC, will be able to reach into homes across Europe, the Middle East and Africa from 1 January 2011 following the conclusion of new satellite distribution agreements on the HOT BIRD™, EUROBIRD™ 1 and W7 satellites operated by Eutelsat Communications.

Launched for the Asia-Pacific region and North America 12 months ago, CNC's objective is to develop into a global TV network covering breaking news and major political, economic and cultural news around the globe.

Following the conclusion of a three-year agreement signed this month with Eutelsat, CNC World will have privileged access to cable and satellite markets across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa via Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ satellites at 13° East whose measured audience continues to expand, now reaching into over 121 million homes. Premium coverage of the UK and Ireland will be ensured via Eutelsat's EUROBIRD™ 1 satellite at 28.5° East that reaches into over 10 million satellite homes, anchoring it as the flagship neighbourhood for this region. The channel will be available via a digital platform operated on EUROBIRD™ 1 by Arqiva.

CNC has concluded an additional agreement with MultiChoice Africa for carriage of CNC World from 1 January 2011 on the DStv pay-TV platform, which broadcasts via Eutelsat's W7 satellite in over 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Wu Jincai, deputy editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency and chairman of CNC, said: "With the satellite coverage provided by Eutelsat, an operator of reference in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, CNC World can deliver on its ambition to grow into a global network providing the best quality of service to our viewers."

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO, added: "We are delighted to partner with CNC for the rapidly expanding CNC World network. The selection of three Eutelsat satellites by a media agency seeking efficient and fast international distribution testifies to the footprint and access to cable and satellite homes provided by our video positions. We look forward to a longstanding relationship with CNC, and to continuing to meet the requirements of a new player in the international broadcasting landscape driven by objectives of quality and innovation."