Anadolu Networks has leased a transponder at the Astra position of 31.5 degrees East to launch its DTH platform, which will broadcast local TV channels to the whole of Turkey.
The initial channels to be broadcast via the new platform at 31.5 degrees East will include TRT Turk, Karadeniz Kackar TV, Kanal 2000 Mersin and Kanal 15 Burdur, with more channels to be added in the course of the next year. The new local channel bouquet will come on air in January 1, 2013.
The 31.5 degrees East orbital position is SES’ prime orbital position for Turkey and the larger region, offering services via the Astra 1G satellite. The launch of Astra 5B, with its wide beam in Q3 2013, will bring further opportunities for Anadolu Networks to broadcast its content to countries including Germany and the CIS region.
“The launch of Anadolu Networks provides regional TV channels with an excellent opportunity to grow their audience and businesses beyond local communities. It once again demonstrates the advantages of satellite to reach large audiences and to overcome the limitations of terrestrial distribution. We are delighted that Anadolu Networks has chosen SES and look forward to supporting its growth at 31.5 degrees East,” said Norbert Hölzle, SVP commercial Europe of SES.
“We are pleased to be working with SES and are confident that its expertise in DTH broadcasting will help us to grow our platform and to deliver digital regional and local channels via satellites across Turkey. Satellite provides us with a solution to broadcast regional channels to the whole of Turkey, and SES will be able to support our ambitious growth strategy in Turkey and its neighbouring countries through an extended footprint on Astra 5B,” said Sakir Gurel, president of Anadolu Networks.
