Sports Star taps AsiaSat for news channel

Pakistan-based production outfit and channel provider Sports Star International has tapped Hong Kong-based satellite operator AsiaSat for satellite capacity on AsiaSat 7 to deliver an HD news channel, Public News, across the Asia-Pacific region.

Sports Star currently transmits entertainment channel A-Plus as well as Pakistan’s first women’s channel A-Lite on AsiaSat 7, targeting different audience segments locally and across the Asia Pacific.

Public News is Sports Star’s latest HD service and brings daily news bulletins to viewers using the same satellite footprint employed by the two current channels.

AsiaSat will also offer Ku-band capacity on AsiaSat 7 for Public News’ SNG services in news gathering and contribution.

Barrie Woolston, chief commercial officer of AsiaSat said: “Pakistan represents one of our most important and largest media markets. We are thrilled to offer additional capacity to Sports Star, strengthening their ability to diversify content for Asia-Pacific audiences. The launch of Public News on AsiaSat advances our goal of growing our HD bouquet of international and local news channels.”

Yousaf Baig Mirza, a leading figure in the management of TV channels in Pakistan and the vice chairman of Public News, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with one of the most reliable names in the Satellite Industry. We look forward to continued success with AsiaSat as we work together to deliver more diverse programming in HD quality to audiences locally and beyond.”