Deutsche Welle has signed a new long-term capacity agreement on three SES satellites to broadcast two channels in Eastern Europe and Africa.
It will distribute its German-language TV channel DW via the Astra 4A satellite, allowing more than six million DTH homes in Eastern Europe and 40 million cable and IPTV households in Europe to receive the channel directly and indirectly. The deal was first reported by Broadband TV News.
Deutsche Welle will also broadcast its new English-language channel across Eastern Europe and Africa via the Astra 4B and SES-5 satellites. The 24-hour news and information service, which covers events from Germany and around the world, was launched June 22 on Astra 19.2 degrees East.
Commenting on the development, Guido Baumhauer, director of distribution and technology at Deutsche Welle, said: “Deutsche Welle produces high-quality content in 30 languages for the whole world. We are very pleased that we have found, in SES, a reliable technical partner that complements our global satellite portfolio and helps us to broadcast news and information to two of the most important regions in the world.”
Norbert Hoelzle, senior VP, commercial, Europe at SES, added: “We are very pleased that Deutsche Welle is once again relying on SES to expand its coverage. The latest agreement with Deutsche Welle is an example of how our global satellite network can enable broadcasters to expand beyond their domestic markets to reach international audiences on all continents”.