MUMBAI: Al Jazeera and France 24 have finally got approval to beam their English language channels in India.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry granted the downlink licence last week, paving the way for the cable and satellite companies in India to add these channels to their lineup.
For Al Jazeera, it has been a four-year wait. The India feed will allow Indian audiences to view the channel that is known for a slant to news that is different from the western style of presentation.
"This is an exciting breakthrough that has been in the works for several years, and we are extremely pleased that Al Jazeera English‘s groundbreaking news and programming will soon be available in India," Al Jazeera English MD Al Anstey said.
Al Jazeera had applied for government approval way back in 2006.
"We know there is a great demand for our content. Through our dedicated resources in India, Al Jazeera is already presenting important stories from India to our global audience in more than 100 countries,” said Anstey.
The company is expecting to reach to over 115 million households in India. "With the prospect of reaching an estimated 115 million households in India, this important market will be significant as we continue to expand our global reach,” India region distribution head Diana Hosker said.
Al Jazeera English currently has a bureau in New Delhi, headed by Anmol Saxena.
Saxena said, "With India‘s increasing engagement in world affairs and strong interest in international events, we are certain that Al Jazeera English will have a substantial following throughout the country."
Al Jazeera English was launched in 2006 and today has 65 news bureaus around the world. The channel has over 1,000 employees worldwide, representing more than 50 nationalities. The channel is currently available in over 100 countries, reaching more than 220 million households around the world.
As for France 24, it will broadcast in English in India. Primarily broadcast in Europe from December 2006, France 24 is broadcast across the world round-the-clock with the same content in French, English and Arabic.
