Al Jazeera English launches in India on Dish TV platform

Qatar-based global news broadcaster strengthens its foothold in India, expects to reach 48 million individuals

Neha Saraiya | Delhi | November 17, 2011

Al Jazeera Network has launched its English channel, Al Jazeera English, across India today on the Dish TV direct-to-home (DTH) platform. The Qatar-headquartered broadcaster expects Al Jazeera English to reach 11.7 million Dish TV subscribers across India and will be available to over 48 million individuals.

The channel will be available in Dish TV's family pack tier on Channel 618.

“We are delighted to be launching on Dish TV today,” Al Anstey, Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, told BestMediaInfo. “India is an emerging leader in today's globalised world, and a critical country for Al Jazeera English to broadcast across. We are confident that our coverage will be of enormous interest and value to audiences across India. Through our vast network of reporters worldwide, we provide eyewitness reports from all corners of the globe. We are uniquely placed to deliver honest and in-depth coverage."

Al Jazeera English is an international news channel, with over 70 bureaus around the world spanning six continents. Since its inception in 2006, it has continued to grow in reach and popularity due to its global coverage, especially from underreported regions. The channel currently broadcasts to over 250 million households across 130 countries, a number that is expected to grow as the channel expands throughout India.

Al Jazeera has produced a showreel of its highlights since 2006 for its India launch. Take a look here:

The international news provider has operated a bureau in New Delhi since its establishment five years ago. The bureau is headed by its Bureau Chief Anmol Saxena.

The DTH market has been one of significance with broadcasters. According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the first three months of 2011 saw a climb in the number of DTH subscribers registered with private service providers by 3.51 million to 35.56 million, making it a promising platform for international news broadcasters such as Al Jazeera English.

Neha@BestMediaInfo.com

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