MUMBAI: International communications technology company Harris has announced that it has been awarded a three-month $22 million contract by the Iraqi Media Network (IMN).

The contract scope includes training, programming support, systems integration and deployment work for IMN, which is Iraq's public television and radio broadcasting
organisation.

IMN has operating locations in Baghdad and in more than 30 other locations throughout the country. Funding for the contract will be provided solely by the Iraqi government.

Harris chairman and CEO Howard L. Lance said, "We are pleased to support Iraq's public broadcasting network at such a crucial point in this country's transition to democracy. IMN will play an important role in reporting on the upcoming national elections, and Harris and its local partners will provide vital support services through this contract."

Harris has already finished work on a previous IMN contract. Originally awarded to Harris in January 2004 by the Defense Contracting Command, that contract scope had included requirements for broadcast and printing equipment, broadcast studio and transmission systems design and integration, network operations, and employee training.

Lance added, "In spite of the obvious security challenges, the Harris team created a world-class broadcast environment and successfully upgraded the production capabilities of Al Sabah, the national newspaper. As the capabilities of the media network have grown, so have the dedication and professionalism of the more than 1,000 IMN employees, who are all Iraqi citizens."

The Harris team has completed the construction of a news studio and an entertainment studio in central Baghdad. The public television network, Al Iraqiya, now has a 24-hour news desk and programming that features 80 percent Iraqi content including news, sports, business, and weather coverage. Public radio programming includes both talk show and music formats.