African Television (AF-TV), a new free-to-air channel, will launch on the Astra 23.5 degrees East position on April 1, 2012, for DTH reception and distribution via cable and IPTV platforms.
AF-TV is an initiative of Netherlands-based Scope Media TV. Supported by various African broadcasters and embassies, the new channel aims to promote Africa, ranging from culture and lifestyle to business and current affairs. AF-TV will use the Astra satellite for the distribution for both DTH reception and delivery to cable and IPTV operators throughout Europe.
Larry Omodia, director of operations at AF-TV, said: “Africa is in many respects a beautiful continent, undergoing a very rapid economic development. Our aim is to show and demonstrate this to as many people outside Africa as possible. The launch of a dedicated television channel is therefore a logical step. We have selected SES as our satellite distribution partner in Europe because of its high quality distribution and wide European household reach. Moreover, SES demonstrated a strong belief and support towards our mission and vision.”
Bill Wijdeveld, managing director at SES for the Benelux market, added: “We are delighted to distribute AF-TV via our satellite system. As worldwide operating satellite company, we have been active in Africa for years and see this as a highly dynamic and promising market. We fully support AF-TV in its goal to promote Africa in the rest of the world and look forward to the launch of this new channel.”
AF-TV can also be received anywhere in the world with the IPTV Iphion set-top box. The broadcaster also said that the channel will become available on smart TV sets.
On the picture: Larry Omodia (AFTV) en Bill Wijdeveld (SES Benelux)
