Australian-Media.com.au News
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Al Jazeera English launches on AUSTAR
October 6 2009 12:59am (UTC+8) - Article by Kevin
IN BRIEF | Al Jazeera today announced that its English language global news service has launched on AUSTAR in Australia.
Al Jazeera English will join 40+ other channels available in the AUSTAR Starter Package which has a subscriber base currently of 750,000 throughout regional Australia.
Phil Lawrie, Director Global Distribution, Al Jazeera said "Australia is one of the most important English speaking markets in the world and a country with a strong appetite for international news channels. With the launch of Al Jazeera English on AUSTAR we have greatly expanded our reach into Australian homes. We look forward to providing audiences across Australia with a fresh and alternative perspective on global news and current affairs."
John Porter, CEO of AUSTAR said "With the addition of Al Jazeera English to our Starter Package, now all AUSTAR subscribers will be able to enjoy the widest possible range and choice of international news channels of any Pay TV platform in Australia".
Australian-Media.com.au
Comments
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Smacca
October 7 2009
2:42am
#3 of 4
There really is no reason why it isn't on FOXTEL already. At least AUSTAR have finally done the smart thing.
Once FOXTEL pick it up I think the FTA channel will disappear (or they will just encrypt the current one). FOXTEL wouldn't want non-subscribers getting the channel for free.
I actually think it's more likely that Foxtel will use their own seperate channel, just like NITV (currently both encrypted and free-to-air ). I'm not sure if Foxtel has any right touching the current free-to-air one - AJE paid for that space and can do what they like there. However, they could do what they've always done with Help, TVSN and Expo. Just leave the channel as-is and add it to the bouquet. I'm hoping they'll do this, because it means they'd need to provide an EPG. -
Kevin
October 7 2009
3:46am
#4 of 4
I actually think it's more likely that Foxtel will use their own seperate channel, just like NITV (currently both encrypted and free-to-air ).
NITV makes sense considering most viewers of that channel wouldn't have FOXTEL.
I'm not sure if Foxtel has any right touching the current free-to-air one - AJE paid for that space and can do what they like there.
True. It doesn't make sense having two versions of it though, unless FOXTEL is going to get the channel in 16:9? That would be nice
However, they could do what they've always done with Help, TVSN and Expo. Just leave the channel as-is and add it to the bouquet. I'm hoping they'll do this, because it means they'd need to provide an EPG.
It makes sense to do it that way but who knows with FOXTEL.
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That's good news. Wake up, Foxtel!
There really is no reason why it isn't on FOXTEL already. At least AUSTAR have finally done the smart thing.
I wonder if this means the existing free-to-air Al Jazeera English channel will have a 7 day EPG?
Once FOXTEL pick it up I think the FTA channel will disappear (or they will just encrypt the current one). FOXTEL wouldn't want non-subscribers getting the channel for free.