Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Arabic has been launched on Freeview (channels 267 and 268), using technology from the content aggregator Global Distribution Services.
Synapse is serving as its technology provider and is known for its FAST Server-Side Ad-Insertion system and Content Delivery Network (CDN), designed specifically for targeting Free-to-Air (FTA), Connected TV (CTV), and mobile platforms.
The IP version of Al Jazeera English at 267 is in addition to the terrestrially distributed version of the channel on Freeview 235.
Commenting on the launch, Tanya Kronfli, managing director of Global Distribution Services and Synapse TV’s content partner, said: “We are honoured that Al Jazeera chose us to deliver their channels to Freeview and thrilled that the innovative technology allows us to bring more diverse channels to the UK audience”.
Ramzan Alnoaimi, Acting Executive Director of Global Brand and Communications at Al Jazeera Media Network, said, “Launching two of our flagship channels on Freeview through our partnership with Global Distribution Services and Synapse TV marks a strategic move that enables our Network to connect with and engage millions of viewers in the United Kingdom, granting our audience the valuable opportunity to access the in-depth news and award-winning content of Al Jazeera English and Arabic from around the world.”
Previously, Synapse and Global Distribution Services successfully launched channels like WION by Zee Media, FailArmy, Pet Collective, ROK, and many others, including their multi-channel platform Channelbox, which now boasts over 70 FAST channels on Freeview channel 271.
The launch of Al Jazeera English and Arabic on Freeview uses Synapse FAST SSAI & CDN, compatible with modern HbbTV-based TVs as well as older Freeview devices.
