BBC World to encrypt signal on PAS10 satellite to South Asia and Middle East

The move reflects the dynamic changes taking place for broadcasters in the South Asian cable and satellite market.

In the Middle East region, BBC World's existing primary satellite feeds are on the Arabsat 2D and Nilesat satellites and these will remain unencrypted.

Gerry Ritchie, Regional Director of Distribution and Business Development, Middle-East & South Asia for BBC World explains; "Our signal on PAS 10 to South Asia has also served the Middle East for many years. However, BBC World's primary satellite delivery and reception method in the Middle East is already focused on the Arabsat 2D and Nilesat satellites where we have been available for the past five years."

Gerry, continues, "The Middle-East distribution market in particular, has emerged as a distinctive market for both domestic and International broadcasters. As such, we believe that BBC World viewers in the region are well served by our broadcast signals on Arabsat 2D and Nilesat as we make this change to the PAS 10 signal to South Asia."

BBC World is currently available in over 270 million households globally and the channel's advertising sales in this region have grown from strength to strength, with the year 2005 witnessing a record performance in its airtime sales revenues.

BBC World offers viewers a truly international news agenda and a truly global perspective and its audiences in the Middle-East & South Asia region remain robust and loyal. BBC World is one of the world's most trusted news sources offering unmatched, impartial, in-depth analysis of breaking news and events from around the world.

BBC World is committed to offering its viewers the highest quality of journalism and programming, such as May's compelling season of programmes - Business Frontiers and Emerging Giants.

For more information, and to ensure you continue to receive the BBC World channel from the 15th June 2006, go to the BBC World website, click on the 'How To Receive' section and select 'South Asia Middle-East'.