Al Jazeera English enhances India distribution and content

Qatar-based Al Jazeera Network today said it is widening distribution of its English news channel in India, besides adding local content to its global feed.

Announcing a tie-up with direct-to-home service provider Tata Sky, the media firm said its English news channel now reaches 25 million households in India, which is around 10 per cent of its global count.

"We are trying to get wider distribution in India on platforms like DTH, cable and IPTV. We would like to get as large as possible (in terms of distribution) but in a smooth manner," Al Jazeera Network Head of Distribution and Licensing Department Diana Hosker told PTI.

She said across the world, 'Al Jazeera English' reaches 260 million households in 130 countries.

Since December last year, the channel has been available on another DTH platform -- Dish TV. The news channel also reaches Indian audience through cable operators.

The channel will also start airing an Indian documentary series from May 3, 2012 onwards.

"We are planning more programming content from India," Al Jazeera English India Bureau Chief Anmol Saxena said.

When asked about the channel's advertising revenue strategy, Hosker said that was being worked out.

At present the channel does not have any advertising in India, Saxena said. However, media consulting, marketing and advertising sales firm, Aidem Ventures, has been appointed as the media representative in the country.

Launched in 2006, Al Jazeera English has over 70 bureaus across the world.