WRN Broadcast to partner with Somethin’ Else to syndicate The BRIT Awards 2013.

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

London, January 30, 2013 - WRN Broadcast, the international broadcast services company, has today confirmed it's partnership with the content design and creation company, Somethin' Else, to syndicate radio content for The BRIT Awards 2013.

WRN Broadcast, which has partnered with Somthin' Else since 2004 for this annual music awards event, will be transmitting the event on it's own dedicated events channel - an audio-only channel specifically available for such ad-hoc projects.

David Treadway, CEO, WRN Broadcast, commented, "WRN Broadcast is again thrilled to play a part in syndicating the BRIT Awards - and as such, celebrating the very best in British music and continuing our longstanding relationship with Somethin' Else."

The BRIT Awards, which has been going since 1977, is the biggest event in the British music calendar which last year saw Adele, Coldplay and Blur win British Female Artist, British Group and Outstanding Contribution to Music Awards, respectively.

Tom Green, Executive Producer, Somethin' Else, said, "Somethin' Else has been syndicating content for The BRIT Awards for over ten years and have consistently relied on the broadcast expertise and services WRN Broadcast provides. We're very proud to bring BRITs fans this fantastic annual event, wherever they may be."

The BRIT Awards 2013 with Mastercard will be taking place on 20 February 2013, at London's o2 Arena.

* * *

About WRN Broadcast:

WRN Broadcast is an international broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content to audiences worldwide.

Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has become one of the leading broadcast services companies, working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end broadcast solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering clients the latest in broadcast technologies.

The company manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognised broadcast brands such as NHK World, Viacom Media Networks, Wananchi - the East African Broadcaster and Jazz FM.

WRN Broadcast announces major investment in its London-based media centre.

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

London, January 17, 2013 - WRN Broadcast, the international broadcast services company, has today announced the investment of over £1million in its London-based media centre.

The investment, which will be completed by March 2013, includes a dedicated archive environment - with an additional 2 petabytes worth of storage, a new master control room and a significant upgrade to the current MAM and mediator system.

WRN Broadcast regularly evaluates the company's technology and broadcast practices and the decision was made that certain key areas - including the broadcast data centre and managed services - were strengthened and future proofed. In addition, due to the on-going growth of the business, certain new technologies also warranted investment to increase the company's future technology capabilities and better support existing clients and the wider broadcast market.

Newly appointed CTO, Dave Travis, who oversaw the investment, commented, "We've worked closely with our technology partners, including Evertz, Spectralogic and Bright Media to continually innovate our broadcast services and keep our technology solutions first class. We continue to respond to our clients needs and will always invest in promising new areas of the business."

This level of investment will enable WRN Broadcast to continue to offer the most comprehensive and up-to-date broadcast solutions to the market, whilst also supporting the existing clients, which include Viacom International Media Networks, NHK World and Wananchi, the East African Broadcaster.

* * *

About WRN Broadcast:

WRN Broadcast is an international broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content to audiences worldwide.

WRN Broadcast to launch OTT delivery service at NAB 2013.

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

NAB Show, Las Vegas, April 8, 2013 - WRN Broadcast has today launched its new OTT distribution service, delivering live video and associated live data streams, Video on Demand (VOD), IPTV and AltoCloud services for new and existing WRN Broadcast clients.

WRN Broadcast continues to develop its range of top tier broadcast services, enabling broadcasters and content owners to react to and meet their audiences' behaviors and actions - ultimately delivering the right content, on the right device at the right time. Video and data streaming, VOD, IPTV and AltoCloud are all now available and complimented with additional services that offer clients the flexibility to customise their solution depending on their business objectives. Such services include live adaptive bitrate encoding - including, HLS, HDS, MPEG Dash; CDN provision and design; live and as-live data management; multi-device monitoring; multi-format encoding and payment management.

The company is also pleased to introduce its latest client at NAB 2013, The ZumeTM Media Dashboard - a ground-breaking new digital platform developed over two years, in close collaboration with the technical team at WRN Broadcast.

ZumeTM will stream live video, live data and VOD content to Japanese users for the 2013 FIA Formula 1® World Championship on smartphones, tablets and through the web, with a distribution partner soon to be announced. ZumeTM aggregates the most exciting aspects of sport, giving consumers a new and enriched way of experiencing live events through personalised editorial control. Users of the ZumeTM platform will be able to follow their favourite drivers around the track with multiple simultaneous camera angles, car positions and concurrent videos, multiple language commentary managed, monitored and distributed by WRN Broadcast. ZumeTM gives viewers access to real-time race statistics, social media feeds from within the app, behind the scenes content, and pause, rewind and replay race footage.

David Treadway, CEO, WRN Broadcast, said: "WRN Broadcast is now at the very forefront of broadcast distribution in this sector. We continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for broadcasters and content owners with truly innovative broadcast solutions and as such we're thrilled to introduce the ZumeTM Media Dashboard at NAB 2013. We look forward to continuing our relationship with ZumeTM as the product is launched to market, a relationship that shows how WRN Broadcast continues to work in partnership with our clients. "

Bruce Steinberg, Director and Co-Founder, said: "Sports entertainment has changed forever. From Formula 1 to football, fans are accessing content from multiple devices, choosing the cameras, the angles and the highlights they want. With the technical expertise of WRN Broadcast, ZumeTM makes this possible, letting fans use their imagination to personalise their viewing experience and become the architects of their own entertainment. It also offers an amazing way for broadcasters and mobile operators to offer their customers real value through exclusive and engaging new content."

WRN Broadcast continues to provide multi-channel playout, content management and distribution services for some of the world's greatest networks including Viacom, Top Up TV and Zuku.

* * *

About WRN Broadcast:

WRN Broadcast is a global broadcasting company, facilitating worldwide service delivery and content management solutions for broadcast clients. It provides Multi-Channel Playout, Content Management and Distribution Services for some of the world¹s greatest networks and channels including Viacom, Top Up Tv and Zuku.

WRN Broadcast has been enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver their content to audiences worldwide from our London Media Centre, since the early 90's. They offer tailored and cost-effective solutions to some of the world's leading broadcast companies, through our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, intelligent use of the latest technology and over 20 years experience of meeting and exceeding their clients' needs around the world. WRN Broadcast provides end-to-end, premium solutions for: Content Management; Archiving and Storage; SD, HD and 3D playout; Data Centre solutions; Over The Top (OTT) services and Fibre and Satellite Distribution.

About ZumeTM:

ZumeTM is a new second-screen, live video and data streaming application. It aggregates the most exciting aspects of sport, giving consumers a new and enriched way of experiencing live events through personalised editorial control. Developed over two years, ZumeTM has been backed by a digital media and technology Venture Capital firm.

About Formula 1:

WRN Broadcast appoints Nick Thompson as Non-Executive Director.

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

London, May 17, 2013: WRN Broadcast has today announced the appointment of Nick Thompson to the position of Non-Executive Director.

Thompson, who was Managing Director of Arqiva's Broadcast & Media division until 2011, has a wealth of experience in creating and building international businesses, specifically in the broadcast and media sectors. The appointment will see Thompson work with WRN Broadcast's board and executive management team to inform the company's strategic development plan and further progress the rapid growth the company has experienced in the last few years in the ever-changing international broadcast marketplace.

Tim Ashburner, Chairman, WRN Broadcast, said: "We're delighted to appoint Nick Thompson as a Non-Executive Director. With our recent investment into key emerging areas and with several significant customer wins Nick joins us at a very exciting time for the company. We welcome the wealth of experience Nick brings and we are excited to have his guidance and support. By continuing to strengthen our board, we are confident that we can continue to develop our provision of first-class international broadcast and media services."

At Arqiva, Thompson was responsible for establishing one of the world's largest satellite and broadcast services companies. Prior to this, he had significant success as President, EMEA division, at Loral CyberStar; Managing Director, Satellite division at Kingston Communications; and CEO of Inmedia Communications - before leading the sale of Inmedia to Arqiva in 2005.

Nick Thompson said: "I'm delighted to be joining WRN Broadcast as a Non-Executive Director. The company has made tremendous progress over the last few years and I'm confident my recent experience of creating and leading one of the world's largest satellite and broadcast services companies will allow me to assist the senior management team in driving WRN Broadcast to become one of the pre-eminent providers of digital broadcast and media playout services, globally."

Under the leadership of CEO, David Treadway, WRN Broadcast continues to provide multi-channel playout, content management and distribution services for some of the world's greatest networks including Viacom, Top Up TV and Zuku.

* * *

About WRN Broadcast:

WRN Broadcast provides end-to-end, premium solutions for: Content Management; Archiving and Storage; SD, HD and 3D playout; Data Centre solutions; Over The Top (OTT) services and Fibre and Satellite Distribution.

WRN Broadcast appoints Dave Travis as CTO.

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

London, December 13, 2012: WRN Broadcast, the international broadcast services company, has today announced the appointment of Dave Travis as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Travis, who was formally Head of Operations & Technology Services, has been appointed as technology chief following the company's continual growth in broadcast operations - which this year included the opening of it's broadcast data centre.

Over the past three years since joining WRN Broadcast, Travis has been responsible for overseeing the company's broadcast solutions and technology partnerships. His contribution has seen WRN Broadcast increase it's offering to become one of the most comprehensive broadcast managed services company in the industry. This has meant working with some of the best known television broadcasters and content owners in the world; ranging from Viacom Media Networks to East Africa's Zuku platform alongside the company's longstanding clients, which include NHK World and VOA, as well as Jazz FM and Absolute Radio here in the UK. Dave Travis, CTO, WRN Broadcast, comments: "WRN Broadcast has an immensely strong offering across TV, Radio, IP and Broadcast Support and it's been great playing a part in developing those areas. We have a first-class team of people here providing broadcast solutions that are innovative and cost effective enabling us to realise our client's business objectives. My appointment as CTO will be a challenging and rewarding role which will allow me to help drive the company forward with the rest of the executive management team."

Travis was Director of Engineering at TSI Broadcast before WRN Broadcast acquired it in 2009. Prior to that he had worked at Viacom, including MTV Networks and was part of the team responsible for building Showtime, Arabia's multi-channel playout facility in Dubai Media City.

David Treadway, CEO, WRN Broadcast, says: "Dave's expertise in broadcast technology has helped us realise one of our core ambitions - to make WRN Broadcast the most complete broadcast managed services company - enabling us to better serve our broadcast clients, regardless of the area of the media they work in. I wish to welcome Dave to the Executive Board as CTO at this exciting time in our history, as we continue to drive forward making sure we can take advantage of the opportunities in the ever-evolving media and broadcast sectors."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast

WRN Broadcast is an international broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content to audiences worldwide.

The company manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognised broadcast brands such as Top Up TV, Jazz FM and Wananchi (Zuku platform).

WRN Broadcast is committed to providing a complete, professional service to all of its clients, accompanied by its investment in the latest technologies available.

WRN Broadcast selected by Nautical Channel to provide range of broadcast services.

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

London, August 9, 2012: WRN Broadcast today announced that it has been selected by Nautical Channel, the specialist nautical sports and lifestyle broadcaster, to provide fibre distribution to the U.S. for three years, with supporting data centre and content management services.

WRN Broadcast's solution was created specifically to meet the channel's expanding global distribution plans. From its launch in 2011, Nautical Channel is now available to over 15 million subscribers across 29 countries, and its diffusion is set to continue through a distribution deal with DISH in the U.S. WRN Broadcast will enable the delivery of the channel's content to DISH's head-end in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Adapting to Nautical Channel's existing playout process, the technology team at WRN Broadcast was able to provide both the fibre circuit to the major U.S. satellite operator and ensure secure hosting of the client's playout equipment in WRN Broadcast's new London-based Broadcast Data Centre, which launched in May 2012. This means that Nautical Channel has the cost-effective turnkey distribution solution it requires,- including the necessary standards conversion and encoding as well as additional broadcast support and on-hand technical expertise, which will ensure seamless transmission in the U.S.

With WRN Broadcast's extensive fibre distribution network in place, the broadcaster also has the option of a presence at 60 Hudson, the major U.S. distribution hub, which could prove instrumental as the channel's development plans in the U.S. move forward.

David Treadway, Managing Director, WRN Broadcast, said: "We're delighted to be supporting Nautical Channel's growth into the U.S. market with delivery to DISH. Working with Nautical Channel really highlights the global broadcast understanding and technical expertise we have here at WRN Broadcast and we're excited to be assisting with the channel's development stateside."

Laurence Hopper, CEO, Nautical Channel, said: "Nautical Channel selected WRN Broadcast for delivery of the signal to the United States as it offered an excellent delivery solution for our expanding global distribution. The ability to complement its great level of connectivity with a range of content management services and the required technical support confirmed that, WRN Broadcast was our best choice as our international broadcast managed services partner."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast

WRN Broadcast is an International broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content and reach audiences worldwide.

Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has become one of the leading broadcast services companies, working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end managed solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering the latest in broadcast technologies and a new Broadcast Data Centre that allows clients to host their own equipment within a purpose built, secure facility with unsurpassed fibre connectivity to points of presence around the globe.

WRN Broadcast manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognised broadcast brands such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Top Up TV, East Africa's Zuku platform, Absolute Radio and countless other international brands. WRN Broadcast is committed to providing the highest levels of service and continued investment in the latest technologies.

WRN Broadcast delivers TV Jamaica throughout the Summer Games season.

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

London, August 1, 2012: WRN Broadcast today announced that it's working with Television Jamaica (TVJ), Jamaica's number one television station, throughout the duration of London's Summer Games.

Hosted in WRN Broadcast's Media Village in Vauxhall, London, TVJ is being provided studio facilities for live programme recording and the ‘ad-hoc' transatlantic delivery of non-Olympic rights holder content from our Media Village to their primary audience in Jamaica.

In addition to this uplink service, WRN Broadcast is also responsible for the downlink and on-pass of TVJ programming from Jamaica to London-based OHTV, Sky channel 199. This enables the broadcasters to conduct a content-sharing partnership over a three week period - taking in the Summer Games and special broadcasts to celebrate the 50th Year of Jamaican Independence later in August. Whilst in the Media Village, TVJ will have production support from OHTV, who already operate from WRN Broadcast's Media Village.

David Treadway, Managing Director, WRN Broadcast, said: "This is a great example of how WRN Broadcast's Media Village works best; by pooling broadcast and media talent and combining skills to achieve fantastic results. We're thrilled we can host another nation during London's festival of sport, and it's testament to the entire team here at WRN Broadcast that the project was able to be set up and realised so quickly - especially considering the complexities of working during London's summer games."

Gary Allen, the Managing Director of the RJR Communications Group of which TVJ is the main channel said, "The collaboration with WRN Broadcast and OH TV has been a major accomplishment for us. As non-rights holders for the Olympic Games we still had to find a way to provide editorial content on the world's biggest sporting event and at the same time celebrate our jubilee year of independence involving Jamaicans at home and Jamaicans in the diaspora (mainly the UK) with BEN TV having reach into Nigeria and linking with OHTV, TVJ and through WRN Broadcast in London, we have connected Europe, the Caribbean and Africa in a way not done before. This collaboration of resources, expertise media content demonstrates how with the technologies, globalization still allows space for small island states performing on the world stage. It's fantastic!"

* * *

About WRN Broadcast

WRN Broadcast is an International broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content and reach audiences worldwide.

Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has become one of the leading broadcast services companies, working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end managed solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering the latest in broadcast technologies and a new Broadcast Data Centre that allows clients to host their own equipment within a purpose built, secure facility with unsurpassed fibre connectivity to points of presence around the globe.

About Television Jamaica

Television Jamaica Limited is a privately run television station that has been Jamaica's number one television channel for well over a decade. It is a member of the RJR Communications Group in which the parent company is Radio Jamaica Limited, a publicly traded company on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. TVJ's collaboration for the Summer is centered around its morning programme "Smile Jamaica - It's Morning Time". Last summer TVJ collaborated with a US Network to co-host one morning of the Smile Jamaica Show. This summer it is collaborating with UK companies for almost a month rich content development and exchange.

WRN Broadcast to be headline sponsor of the Broadcast Digital Awards 2012.

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

London, June 18, 2012: WRN Broadcast is thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the Broadcast Digital Awards 2012. The evening is the only awards night to fully represent the ever-changing digital market, celebrating the best content and delivery across the UK. Hosted by comedian Greg Davies, it takes place at the Lancaster Hotel, London on Wednesday 20th June.

David Treadway, Managing Director of WRN Broadcast will be presenting the award for Digital Channel of the Year, boasting a shortlist which includes BBC Three, BBC Four, Discovery Channel, E4, History and MTV.

For more information please visit www.broadcastdigitalawards.com

WRN Broadcast contact: Paul Bodley, Brand Communications Manager
T: +44 20 7896 4025
M: +44 7904 256 134
E: [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]

* * *

About WRN Broadcast

WRN Broadcast is an International broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content and reach audiences worldwide.

Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has become one of the leading broadcast services companies, working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end managed solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering the latest in broadcast technologies and a new Broadcast Data Centre that allows clients to host their own equipment within a purpose built, secure facility with unsurpassed fibre connectivity to points of presence around the globe.

WRN Broadcast opens Broadcast Data Centre at London HQ.

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

London, May 23, 2012: WRN Broadcast has today announced that it's opened a Broadcast Data Centre as part of its state of the art facility in Vauxhall, London. The latest broadcast offering has the support of IPWorldTV and Farncombe, both having signed contracts for rack space.

The new, purpose-built data centre was constructed last year following increased interest from existing international broadcast clients, as well as new clients such as Farncombe and IPWorldTV who operate within the wider media industry.

The Broadcast Data Centre offers broadcast companies and related technology and telco businesses the opportunity of secure rack space in London with the added benefit of broadcast expertise being onsite 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

This also means the broadcast community can now have the essential data centre requirements; including backed up electricity supply, air cooling system, fire suppression, triple ID process, Redcare Chubb intruder alarm and individually lockable racks; alongside WRN Broadcast's Content Delivery Network, guaranteed internet connectivity with diverse fibre routing, access to over 3000 PoPs worldwide and the ability to receive satellite signals from anywhere on the planet. Other optional services range from monitoring and uplink to archive and storage, all taken from WRN Broadcast's existing range of broadcast managed services.

David Treadway, Managing Director, WRN Broadcast, said, "We're always listening to our clients and looking at how best to support them - the Broadcast Data Centre is just the latest evidence of this. We built the data centre with broadcasters in mind and we're excited to provide a unique offering and one that has driven real interest from around the world. We look forward to working with some new clients, such as Farncombe and IPWorldTV, as well as further supporting our existing client base."

Gary Marshall, Managing Partner, Farncombe, said, "Farncombe selected WRN Broadcast's new Broadcast Data Centre due to the top class connectivity and proximity to many of our clients - this is complemented by a great level of service from the WRN Broadcast team."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast

WRN Broadcast is an International broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content and reach audiences worldwide.

Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has become one of the leading broadcast services companies, working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end managed solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering the latest in broadcast technologies and a new Broadcast Data Centre that allows clients to host their own equipment within a purpose built, secure facility with unsurpassed fibre connectivity to points of presence around the globe.

WRN Broadcast and Canis Media launch UK’s first shopping radio station.

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

WRN Broadcast (WRNB) and Canis Media launch UK's first shopping radio station, Shop Radio.

Shop Radio will be broadcast on the Sky platform (Sky EPG radio channel 0184) twenty-two hours a day, seven days a week with amazing offers from 0600 right through until 0400 hrs and can also be found on the web at www.shopradio.com.

This new radio station will be the first of its kind in the UK to bring radio listeners the same quality products that TV viewers have had access to for more than a decade.

David Treadway, Chief Executive of WRN Broadcast said,

‘We are delighted to be leading an experiment in a new way of delivering content to customers. TV shopping is big business, why shouldn't it work on radio?'

Ed Hall, Chief Executive of Canis Media said,

‘I have been looking for the right partner to launch Shop Radio for nearly ten years. WRN Broadcast is a great distributor of radio stations, and a combination of our market knowledge and experience and WRNB's history in radio seems like a winning combination to me.'

WRN Broadcast and Canis Media launch UK's first shopping radio station.

About WRN Broadcast WRN Broadcast is a leading International broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content and reach audiences worldwide. Founded in 1992, the company works across digital content platforms and specialises in end-to-end managed solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering the latest in broadcast technologies and a new Broadcast Data Centre that allows clients to host their own equipment within a purpose built, secure facility with unsurpassed fibre connectivity to points of presence around the globe. WRN Broadcast manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognised broadcast brands such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Top Up TV, East Africa's Zuku platform and countless international radio brands. www.wrnbroadcast.com.

About Canis Media Canis Media is a UK-based company that manages digital television businesses for clients around the world. Established in 2001 by Ed Hall, the company has four divisions providing Commercial, Production, Broadcast, and Local TV expertise to support a wide range of clients. Canis Media has been involved in over 75 UK channel launches, is also the UK's leading television channel broker and consultant for the buying, selling and management of television channels and 'EPG' positions in the UK market. Canis Media operated three UK-based TV shopping channels which were sold in 2005. www.canismedia.com.

Voice of Russia and WRN Broadcast bring news and views to London.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

WRN Broadcast (WRNB) has worked with Voice of Russia, the oldest Russian broadcasting company, to launch Voice of Russia from the World Radio Network, a new DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio service providing a wide range of programmes about Russia and Russia's viewpoint on world events to listeners in London, ranging from the most important political events on the global agenda to arts, culture, science and sports. The new service, broadcast in English, is available on DAB throughout London.

Although WRNB is one of the leading international broadcast managed services companies and works with some of the best known television and studio brands in the world, its origins are in international radio distribution and Voice of Russia has been working with WRNB for almost 20 years. The World Radio Network is WRN Broadcast's international radio distribution brand and delivers mainly public service content to a worldwide audience in several languages on every continent.

WRNB is the licence holder of Voice of Russia from the World Radio Network and in common with other news and current affairs based channels there will be segments from other world broadcasters to provide a rounded view of world affairs. Voice of Russia is in the process of setting up studios and production facilities at WRNB's London base, which will house dedicated production staff and journalists in order to increase the London-based content of the channel. Additional material will be produced in Moscow and WRNB will schedule and playout the channel.

"One of our goals is to get closer to our audiences," said Andrey Bystritsky, Chairman, Voice of Russia, "so it made perfect sense to have the channel's base in the heart of London, and to partner with a specialist like WRN Broadcast who will drive the channel's success." Voice of Russia also broadcasts in over 160 countries and has channels in New York and Washington.

David Treadway, Managing Director, WRN Broadcast said, "We have worked with Voice of Russia for many years and are responsible for delivering their programmes to audiences in places as diverse as Afghanistan and Buenos Aires. Therefore, we are delighted to have been able to devise and manage a channel right here in London, so increasing even further the range, quality and choice of radio services in the capital."

Ford Ennals, CEO, Digital Radio UK, welcomed the arrival of the new radio station and said, "London is a vibrant, multicultural city and this is reflected in its digital radio services which include 60 digital-only stations, including those serving audiences from all over the world. We welcome the launch of Voice of Russia from the World Radio Network and see it as an excellent addition to London's rich radio diversity."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast

WRN Broadcast is an International broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content and reach audiences worldwide.

Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has become one of the leading broadcast services companies, working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end managed solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution. It has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering the latest in broadcast technologies and a new Broadcast Data Centre that allows clients to host their own equipment within a purpose built, secure facility with unsurpassed fibre connectivity to points of presence around the globe.

WRN Broadcast recently opened a new media village adjacent to its Vauxhall base with the aim of bringing together a host of like-minded broadcast companies, creating a culture for increased creativity as well as cost-efficient studio and office space.

WRN Broadcast manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognised broadcast brands such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Top Up TV, East Africa's Zuku platform, Absolute Radio and countless international radio brands. WRN Broadcast is committed to providing the highest levels of service and investment in the latest technologies available.

www.wrnbroadcast.com

WRN Broadcast launches VoA in Southern Africa

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

WRN Broadcast, the international broadcast managed services company, has announced the launch of their transmission of a new satellite radio service for Voice of America - VoA Southern Africa.

This direct-to-home (DTH) service will cover all of sub-Saharan Africa on a popular satellite but the programming will largely be tailored to audiences in Zimbabwe. The new radio channel will air 24 hours a day and will be free to listeners.

Initially, prominent programming includes the news show ‘Studio 7', call-in programme ‘Live Talk', as well as other content in English, Portuguese, Shona and Ndebele.

VOA Africa Division Director, Gwen Dillard, says home satellite use is growing around the world and this new service "demonstrates Voice of America's commitment to bringing objective and reliable news programs to our audiences on platforms they are comfortable using."

Meanwhile WRN Broadcast added, "we are pleased to provide another DTH satellite service for United States international broadcaster, VoA. Not only does DTH to small dishes have good audience penetration in countries such as Zimbabwe, it is also cost-effective compared with terrestrial alternatives".

The service is broadcast on the Intelsat 10 satellite at 68 degrees east on the Ku frequency band.

* * *

About WRN Broadcast (www.wrnbroadcast.com)

International broadcast services company WRN Broadcast enables broadcasters, media owners and brands to deliver content to audiences worldwide. Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast is a leading broadcast technical services company working across digital content platforms to provide broadcast clients with worldwide coverage. The company specialises in end-to-end solutions for ingest, content management, playout, encoding, multiplexing and worldwide fibre and satellite distribution.

WRN Broadcast has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering clients the latest in broadcast technologies.

WRN Broadcast manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognized broadcast brands.

WRN Broadcast appoints new Chairman

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

WRN Broadcast, the international broadcast services company, has today announced the appointment of Tim Ashburner as Chairman. Tim Ashburner, who is currently Technology Director, has been appointed following the opening of WRN Broadcast's state-of-the-art Media Centre and the launch of its London-based Media Village aimed at like-minded broadcast clients.

A former Senior Audio Supervisor at the BBC, Tim is one of the founders of WRN Broadcast. He was responsible for the company's technical strategy and growth using new and emerging technologies and in 1999 won the prestigious IBC Engineer of the Year Award for services to radio innovation, specifically for work carried out on DAB and DVB systems. Tim still maintains a role within the technical department.

Tim Ashburner, WRN Broadcast, comments: "In the past two years WRN Broadcast has gone through some radical growth. Our excellent team of people are envied by our competitors for providing solutions that are cost effective and innovative whilst realising the client's goals and I'm proud I helped make this happen. My appointment as Chairman will be a challenging and rewarding role allowing me to continue to contribute to a company that I have endeavoured to nurture and develop over the past two decades."

Tim is looking forward to helping guide the company as it continues to grow whilst maintaining its key business relationships here in Europe, some of which the company has had since the very inception of WRN Broadcast. Over the past 19 years, WRN Broadcast has expanded its offering from its origins as an international radio network - World Radio Network - to work across emergent digital content platforms to provide TV and radio clients with worldwide coverage.

David Treadway, Managing Director, WRN Broadcast, says: "Having Tim at the helm of WRN Broadcast will be a hugely advantageous move for us as we continue to grow our global footprint. Not only does Tim know exactly what the company does, but he knows precisely how we do it - his first-class broadcast experience will be an absolute asset as we continue to offer our clients the very best end-to-end solutions."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast (www.wrnbroadcast.com)

WRN Broadcast is an international broadcast services company enabling broadcasters and media owners to deliver content to audiences worldwide.

The company manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognised broadcast brands such as Top Up TV, Manchester United TV and Wananchi (ZUKU platform).

WRN Broadcast is committed to providing a complete, professional service to all of its clients, accompanied by its investment in the latest technologies available.

WRN Broadcast and Wananchi Partner for HD Playout

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

London, October 5, 2010: WRN Broadcast, the international broadcast services company, today announced a major contract win to manage and playout a range of TV channels for Wananchi Group Holdings' (WGH) triple play Zuku platform in East Africa. The contract for the new channels, six of which will be available in both SD and HD, places the London-based facility at the forefront of HD playout and capitalises on the capabilities of its new London-based media centre.

WRN Broadcast has previously provided distribution services for WGH, however this new deal will provide the East African cable and DTH platform with a competitive solution to launch its growing number of channels. WRN Broadcast will be responsible for the playout, multiplexing and distribution of 34 of Zuku's 100+ channels, with the ingest and content management of Zuku's premium channels, including the six high definition channels, also taking place at the media centre. The HD channels will be split across Zuku's 8 movie channels, showing films from some of the world's most successful studios, in addition to Zuku Life, Zuku Afrika and Zuku Sports which are dedicated to showing the best in lifestyle, documentary and sports programming.

Lars Anderson, CEO, Wananchi Group Holdings, says: "Wananchi's intention has always been to offer East Africans the opportunity to watch the best local and international content. WRN Broadcast understands this and with their well engineered broadcast solutions and our commitment to top quality content and services, such as HD, we believe we're in a fantastic position to do just that."

WRN Broadcast's new media centre features enterprise class technology based on Pharos Mediator 4, Publitronics playout servers, DDN media storage and Harmonic encoding and multiplexing. This high level of technology is matched by the expertise of the team which is led by Dave Travis, Head of Engineering and Technology Solutions and Mike Ward, Head of Operations.

David Treadway, MD, WRN Broadcast, adds: "Our ability to provide a reliable, cost-effective solution based on our expert staff and state of the art technology means we can satisfy demand from anywhere in the world, showcased here by our multi-channel delivery between the UK and Africa. Furthermore, it puts us at the forefront of HD capability. We are delighted to have been chosen to be Wananchi's managed services partner and continue to look forward to further developments in the provision of both SD and HD services."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast (www.wrnbroadcast.com)

WRN Broadcast has a state-of-the-art Media Centre offering clients the latest in broadcast technologies.

WRN Broadcast manages playout and distribution services for over 250 clients worldwide including some of the most recognized broadcast brands.

About The Wananchi Group

The Wananchi Group is owned 51% by the ATMT Fund, and 49% by Emerging Capital Partners. Established in 2007, the Wananchi is the first competitive triple-play provider in East Africa, and is positioned to become the premier media operator in the region. WG is a holding company providing common senior management to seven cable and broadband companies in Kenya and Tanzania.

The Company has already achieved significant milestones in its less than two years of operations, including:

• Market leader with first mover advantage. Through its strategic acquisitions, WG is now the leading residential provider of cable and internet service in Kenya as well as the leading business communications provider in Tanzania.

• 30%+ "Take Rate" among consumers. Today WG's 187km of cable network passes approximately 37,000 homes in Kenya. Wananchi Group has a "take rate" on subscribers of more than 30%. • Proven Management Team. Many on the management team have worked together successfully for decades developing cable companies in similar emerging market conditions.

• Prominent international and regional shareholders. In addition to the involvement of ATMT, ECP and OPIC, Wananchi Group can count prominent East Africans among its shareholders, including executives of the biggest financial and communications companies in the region.

Re:wired > September 2010

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

New Head of Sales and Business Development at WRN Broadcast
WRN Broadcast is pleased to announce that it has appointed the latest addition to our ever-expanding team. Jonathan Low joins us from Globecast, where he was Business Development Manager in London and New York.

At WRN Broadcast, Jonathan will head up the Sales and Business Development Team and will play a key role in expanding the company's customer base. Jonathan has arrived during a period of considerable growth for WRN Broadcast, following the opening of our state-of-the-art media centre and the recent launch of our Vauxhall-based media village aimed at like-minded broadcast clients.

Jonathan commented: "WRN Broadcast has a sterling reputation in the industry and I'm thrilled to be joining the company at such an exciting time. I'm especially looking forward to working with potential tenants for the new media village from across the broadcast industry, now that we can offer them both office space and an end-to-end solution."

To schedule a meeting with Jonathan, email him at [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 7896 4022.

WRN Broadcast at IBC
Representatives of the WRN Broadcast Commercial and Technical Teams will be attending this year's International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam.

Taking place from 9th - 14th September at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam, the annual IBC is the leading international forum for the electronic media industry. Consisting of over 1,000 exhibitors and combining a highly respected and peer reviewed conference with an exhibition that demonstrates state of the art media technology, IBC is the event not to be missed for anyone involved in the world of content, creation, management and delivery.

If you would like to meet with the WRN Broadcast Team at IBC, contact Sales on [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]

For more information about the IBC visit www.ibc.org

WRN Provides RTÉ with Coverage of GAA All Ireland Finals
WRN Broadcast is once again helping RTÉ to provide worldwide coverage of the GAA All Ireland Finals on the 5th and 19th September.

WRN is providing RTÉ with special transmissions on shortwave radio in Africa, where many Irish people live and work, often in relative isolation with poor communications. You can tune into these broadcasts on the following frequencies: To South Africa: 1300-1700 UTC on 7265 kHz To East Africa: 1300-1500 UTC on 15400kHz, 1500-1700 UTC on 11695 kHz To West Africa: 1430-1500 UTC on 15445 kHz, 1500-1630 UTC on 11805 kHz

In addition to this, RTÉ Radio will be providing extensive coverage around the world. For further information on where you can access this visit www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/thechampionship

WRN Broadcast has a long history with the Irish state broadcaster and has been transmitting RTÉ around the world since 1994. For more information on WRN's shortwave services, please contact [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]

FM Relay in India
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for broadcasters looking to reach India. Previously a challenging territory to gain broadcast coverage in, WRN Broadcast can now offer clients FM Relays across the country including all major metropolitan and rural areas. With a sliding scale of costs - dependant on chosen locations and time slots - this service can accommodate a range of budgets and financial capabilities.

For more information on how your broadcast can reach this closed and previously untapped market, please contact the Sales Department on [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] or call +44 20 7896 4026.

WRN Again Chosen by the IAAF for Streaming of Live Events
WRN Broadcast was again chosen by The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the international governing body for the sport of athletics, to stream audio from live events at the Intercontinental Cup in Split on 4-5th September.

WRN Broadcast provided a full streaming service, including encoding and streaming on the IAAF website. We were also able to provide comprehensive statistical reporting after the event.

WRN Broadcast's streaming packages allow free to the end user models, subscription models, content management and digital rights management.

For more information on WRN Broadcast's streaming services contact the Sales team on [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] or call +44 20 7896 4026.

Medium Wave Transmission from Sri Lanka
For clients wanting to be heard in Sri Lanka and southern India, a Medium Wave transmission is now available through WRN Broadcast.

The 50kW transmitter represents a cost effective method of reaching local audiences in Sri Lanka during daytime and a far wider geographical area in the evenings and early morning. A free test can be provided to clients looking to trial the effectiveness of the transmitter prior to any formal agreement.

For more information, please contact the Sales Department on [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] or call +44 20 7896 4026.

Re:wired > August 2010

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Opportunity to Launch Radio Channel on Sky
WRN has a window of opportunity for radio broadcasters wishing to access the Sky platform, which is still the leading digital DTH platform in 9 million homes in the UK and Ireland. The EPG is available for sale immediately.

Radio broadcasters will be able to benefit from an instant access to the otherwise-closed Sky platform. The EPG has an incumbent uplink and 128 kbps stereo Eurobird 1 capacity contract, which also includes EPG management and submission services and 24/7 monitoring and support.

Opportunity subject to contract and availability. For more information please contact [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]

NME Radio Stays on Digital TV
After the recent reports indicating NME Radio would reduce its coverage to just online, a new agreement between Town and Country Broadcasting and WRN Broadcast retains the station's coverage on digital TV.

WRN Broadcast has just signed a new agreement with Town and Country that will continue the existing broadcast of NME Radio onto the digital TV platforms Sky and Freesat.

NME Radio has been a client of WRN Broadcast since June 2008, when the station launched, providing both the uplink and capacity onto Eurobird 1 to service both the Sky and Freesat platforms. NME Radio provides its audience with the best in new and alternative music, music news, gig-guides and live sessions.

For more information on how WRN Broadcast can offer a similar service to radio stations looking to broadcast onto a digital TV platform, please contact the Sales Department on +44 207 896 4020 or email us at [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]

Absolute Radio Launches Absolute Radio 90s
Absolute Radio are continuing their expansion across UK commercial radio with the launch of their latest station, Absolute Radio 90s, which is available on Sky #0203, DAB around the UK and online.

With the ongoing success of their most recent addition, Absolute 80s, which recorded a weekly reach of 264,000 and total hours of 1.4m a week in the latest UK Rajar results as well as being awarded the Best Specialist Radio Station at the recent Freesat Awards, Absolute Radio are hoping for similar achievement with Absolute Radio 90s.

Donnach O'Driscoll, Absolute Radio Chief Executive, said: "Absolute 80s has been a runway success and listeners love it, which is why we're expanding the station on to a national platform. With Absolute 80s we struck on a winner so extending the format with this 90s proposition was the natural progression."

The Absolute Radio network currently includes Absolute Radio, Absolute 80s, Absolute Classic Rock and online 'user-controlled' station Dabbl.

WRN Broadcast provides Eurobird 1 capacity for all Absolute Radio services on Sky and Freesat. If you are interested in launching onto either platform, WRN Broadcast can provide a turnkey solution for your station. Please contact [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] for further information.

Family Radio Expansion Continues
California-based Christian radio station Family Radio is continuing their current expansion by launching onto Intelsat 10.

Following the recent launch of Family Radio onto Atlantic Bird 4A, covering the North Africa and Middle East region, WRN Broadcast has now facilitated the launch of the station on Intelsat 10 (Ku Band). The satellite covers a large proportion of the sub-Saharan region and predominately services audiences in South Africa.

WRN Broadcast can advise on similar services in the region or other worldwide broadcasting opportunities. Please contact the Sales Department on +44 207 896 4020 or email us at [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]

WRN Broadcast Creates Media Village
WRN Broadcast is launching a new media village to rival London's Soho, and aims to bring together a host of like-minded broadcast companies, creating a culture for increased creativity as well as cost-efficient studio and office space.

Having recently acquired the three storey building adjacent to our Vauxhall Media Centre base, the first tenant is ethical entertainment channel broadcaster OHTV, which is basing itself in a purpose-built studio created by WRN Broadcast that includes lighting and gantries, a gallery and a green room. Whilst it is for the use of OHTV primarily, the space is also available to other companies during downtime.

Akin Salami, CEO, OHTV, says: "Locating in WRN Broadcast's media village gives us purpose-built facilities, more office space, improved services and reduced costs; the ideal scenario. We look forward to seeing which other companies will join us."

OHTV joins Jazz FM, which has been resident in WRN Broadcast's building since April 2009, leasing two studios and office space enabling Jazz FM to be broadcast live from the WRN Broadcast building. WRN Broadcast also provides Jazz FM's uplink and capacity on the Eurobird 1 satellite for broadcast on Sky and Freesat.

The new media village offers clients a number of business advantages including access to our strong communications infrastructure which is very cost effective for clients. The area is also on the cusp of major regeneration, led by the development of the Battersea Power Station site and the new US embassy. If you are interested in becoming part of the WRN Broadcast Media Village, please contact [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] for further information.

Digital Radio Update
UK Communications Minister, Ed Vaizey, has recently commented on the future of radio including the role of the BBC, the relationship between broadcasters and manufactures and the digital switchover. He indicated that the BBC had a key role to play in the switchover to DAB but there was still some way to go before the majority of listeners adopt digital radio over analogue.

"Listeners need to be persuaded that the content on offer is compelling, that the quality is high and that digital radios, at home or in the car, are affordable and have listening quality that is at least as good as FM."

Mr Vaizey also hoped that radio in the UK mirrored the success of Digital TV by offering a wide variety of choice through multi-channel national radio.

Despite external pressure, there is still no "cast-iron commitment" for the date of the digital switchover despite the previous Labour Government providing a target date of 2015. "That means a digital radio switchover in 2015 remains a target we aspire to, but for which a lot more work needs to be done before we can make it a cast-iron commitment."

WRN Broadcast Creates Media Village

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

London, July 29, 2010: International broadcast services company WRN Broadcast today announced the launch of a new Vauxhall-based media village. It aims to bring together a host of like-minded broadcast companies, creating a culture for increased creativity as well as cost-efficient studio and office space.

Having recently acquired the three storey building adjacent to its Vauxhall Media Centre base, WRN Broadcast also announced that inspirational entertainment broadcaster OHTV will be one of the first companies to take advantage of the media village offering, joining Jazz FM which has been resident in WRN Broadcast's building since April 2009.

David Treadway, MD, WRN Broadcast, says: "The vision is for complimentary companies to work with each other, developing a creative community around the media hub in south London. The new media village offers clients flexible facilities, lower costs and easy access to central London. We're currently talking to potential clients and hope to create a media hub that could eventually rival the likes of Soho or Shoreditch. Our message is simple: Come to Vauxhall."

Foundation client OHTV has a new TV studio set up with lighting and gantries, gallery and green room purpose-built by WRN Broadcast. Whilst it is for the use of OHTV primarily, the space is also available to other companies during downtime. WRN Broadcast is also providing OHTV with capacity on the Eurobird satellite at 28.5˚E for broadcast on Sky, as well as office space.

WRN Broadcast aims to attract further television and radio broadcasters, in addition to other creative and digital companies, which will be able to take advantage of the facility's range of services. These include playout, content management and file delivery, satellite and fibre distribution, VOD, IPTV and mobile solutions, data centre services and channel management.

The media village offers clients a number of business advantages. The site has a strong communications infrastructure; on-site clients don't need to connect via expensive fibre, instead using WRN Broadcast's facilities and so reducing costs. The building is located very near to the Cable and Wireless exchange and next door to a primary UK BT connectivity centre. In addition, Vauxhall is in close proximity to central London but offers more space and a lower cost base. The area is also on the cusp of major regeneration, led by the development of the Battersea Power Station site and the new US embassy.

Jazz FM became a tenant of WRN Broadcast in April 2009, leasing two studios and office space. This enables Jazz FM to be broadcast live from the WRN Broadcast building. WRN Broadcast also handled Jazz FM's uplink and capacity on the Eurobird 1 satellite, provides the radio station with its bespoke EPG submission and management software and coordinated Jazz FM's launch onto channel #729 on Freesat.

* * *

About WRN Broadcast (www.wrnbroadcast.com)

International broadcast services company WRN Broadcast enables broadcasters, media owners and brands to deliver content to audiences worldwide. Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has expanded its offering from its inception as an international radio network - World Radio Network - to work across emergent digital content platforms to provide television and radio clients with worldwide coverage. The company now offers clients an end-to-end solution for ingest, content management, playout, encoding / multiplexing and worldwide distribution via fibre and satellite.

The expanded offering is made possible by WRN Broadcast's brand new, state-of-the-art Media Centre, which offers clients the latest in broadcasting and transmission technologies.

WRN Broadcast's client portfolio includes the most recognised broadcasters, content owners and brands around the world, including NHK, Voice of America, Top Up TV, Manchester United TV, Warner Bros, IMG and United Nations radio.

Re:wired > May 2010

Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WRN Launches New Brand and Facility
At the end of April 2010, WRN unveiled its new brand identity. Henceforth, the company will be known as WRN Broadcast, a name that encapsulates who we are and what we do - that is, providing professional broadcast solutions to our growing list of clients worldwide.

We recently relaunched our website and our new visual identity is a further development of that look and feel, but with the addition of some vibrant colour. This represents not only the growing part of our business, television ingest, playout and managed services, but also the fact that radio continues to deliver some of the best pictures in the minds of the listeners, where the colours can be even more vibrant for some.

The change of company name reflects last year's acquisition of TSI Broadcast and the integration of the two companies is now complete. We have completely rebuilt our technical facilities and our new Media Centre represents one of the finest state-of-the-art ingest and playout centres in Europe. Not only has this resulted in an increased range of broadcast services but has also seen our technical staffing levels double as we continue to invest in service delivery for clients.

David Treadway, WRN Broadcast's Managing Director, says: "We intend to build on our broadcasting and digital expertise to offer a wide range of innovative and cost-effective services to international television broadcasters and brands, in addition to our longstanding radio clients. The new Media Centre is central to this and will enable WRN Broadcast to take centre stage in TV and digital platforms as well as radio broadcasting."

If you would like any more information about the rebrand or the new Media Centre, please contact the Sales team on [email protected]" class="null">[email protected]

Sony Radio Academy Awards
The UK's most prestigious radio accolades, the Sony Radio Academy Awards, were this year held at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair and hosted by Chris Evans.

The Awards proved to be a successful night for clients of WRN Broadcast, with both NME Radio and Absolute Radio scooping up Gold Awards, whilst Jazz FM - fellow inhabitants of the WRN Broadcast Media Village - picked up a Silver. Last, but not least, long standing client Prision Radio took home a Bronze.

For all that attended, it was clear that radio continues to attract a high volume of talented individuals to the industry. Client Account Managers, Simon Walter and Fleur Nittolo both attended the awards and were the first to join in the celebrations with our victorious clients.

For more information about the Sony Awards refer to http://www.radioawards.org/

Radio Netherlands launches Radio with Pictures
Renowned international broadcaster Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) was the first client to take advantage of WRN Broadcast's new and revolutionary satellite product. Radio with Pictures allows satellite and cable radio stations to display visual content on TV screens. Visuals could include live graphics, existing web content or interactive SMS and Twitter feeds.

WRN Broadcast's Managing Director, David Treadway, said: "Many radio stations use satellite and cable to extend their reach as these platforms offer relatively low barriers to entry, with lower costs and fewer regulatory hurdles. However, audiences prefer to have something on their TV screen rather than it being blank.

"Radio with Pictures addresses this missed opportunity, transforming satellite radio channels on digital TV platforms into full-service television channels but at a fraction of the cost of TV. This enables broadcasters to interact with their audience in a new way whilst also creating potential new revenue streams."

For more information about Radio with Pictures and how the product can add a new and innovative dimension to your existing radio service, please contact the Sales Department on [email protected] or +44 20 7896 4020.

WRN Broadcast launches Family Radio on Atlantic Bird 4A
WRN Broadcast has recently launched Family Radio onto the Atlantic Bird 4A satellite, providing them with coverage across North Africa and Middle East regions.

Family Radio have a 50 year heritage in producing and broadcasting Christian content received in a range of major languages throughout the world. A client of WRN Broadcast for many years, this new service represents an exciting opportunity for Family Radio to broadcast all three of their international radio channels to a growing audience in the region.

WRN Broadcast continues to provide Family Radio with consultation and bespoke solutions for numerous opportunities in line with the organisation's wider broadcasting strategy.

We have the capabilities to launch clients with radio content onto AtlanticBird 4A and a range of international satellite platforms. For more information please contact the Sales Department on [email protected]">[email protected] and +44 20 7896 4020.

Sirius-XM Increases Audience Share
Great news for broadcasters on WRN English for North America as Sirius-XM again increases its audience share; a total of 11.4m are now subscribing to Sirius-XM thanks to the OEM units provided in new cars.

Total subscriptions for Sirius-XM now formally stand at 18,944,199 (as at 31st March) with the quarter seeing growth again, up 171,441, which is a huge improvement on Q1/09 when 402,000 subscribers walked away. Sirius-XM says it expects a net gain this year of 500,000 subscriptions.

The World Radio Network (a sub brand of WRN Broadcast) broadcasts 24/7 news and current affairs radio networks in five different languages - English, French, German, Arabic and Russian. The networks are made up of aggregated content from international public service broadcasters and renowned programme makers, presenting perspectives from around the globe.

WRN Broadcast re-modelled its North American network specifically for satellite radio by adding a wide variety of programming from the world's news broadcasters and is available on Sirius channel 140 and XM channel 135.

For more information on WRN North America or any of WRN Broadcast's other networks, please contact the Sales Team +44 (0) 207 896 4020 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]

Freesat Awards
On Wednesday 30th June, the Freesat Awards will be held in London's West End, honouring the best in digital TV and TV-related industries.

There are ten different awards up for grabs, including Best Specialist Radio Station which will hopefully see one of WRN Broadcast's own clients up on the podium. The winners of each category will be judged by a panel of industry experts including Fru Hazlitt, Former Chief Executive at GCap Media; Jemima Kiss, Digital Reporter for Guardian News and Media; and Ben Preston, Editor at Radio Times.

The deadline for entering the awards has now passed, but for details on the awards and how to vote visit http://www.freesat.co.uk/awards

Freesat is the new digital UK platform that launched in May 2008, providing the first HD digital TV and radio, complete with interactivity, all from one subscription, contract-free box. The platform makes HD TV available to 98% of UK households, some of which have previously been unable to benefit from this technology due to coverage, price or subscription contracts. Since the launch of Freesat, over one million receivers have been sold to British homes. As Freesat is served by the Eurobird 1 satellite, existing Sky broadcasters can gain access to this new platform at very little cost.

WRN Broadcast is able to supply satellite uplink and capacity and EPG services for Freesat and is also able to guide clients through the entire process of launching on the platform.

For more information regarding Freesat, please contact the Sales Team on [email protected]">[email protected]

WRN Broadcast Offers Mass Channel Delivery Solution

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

London, June 1, 2010: International broadcast services company WRN Broadcast today announced that it has won a major contract with Wananchi to provide encoding, multiplexing and fibre delivery of more than 12 channels for distribution on Zuku, Kenya's first triple-play service. The channels include MSNBC, Eurosport News, Nickelodeon and Bloomberg, with more to follow.

WRN Broadcast will provide Wananchi with the ability to receive services from virtually any broadcaster worldwide, using WRN Broadcast's London teleport, international satellite network and global fibre connectivity. WRN Broadcast will then encode and multiplex all services into one transport stream for onward delivery via the company's POPS at major international data centres and dedicated fibre to Wananchi's base in Nairobi.

Euan Fannell, CEO, Wananchi Group, says: "Our Zuku platform is East Africa's first triple-play provider and enables local viewers to watch the best local and international content. WRN Broadcast's unique delivery solution offers our subscribers the opportunity to watch previously unreachable channels from around the world."

Services for Wananchi will be operated through WRN Broadcast's brand new Media Centre, which features a state-of-the-art RF system, Tandberg IRD's and brand new Harmonic Pro Stream 1000 multiplexers.

David Treadway, MD, WRN Broadcast, adds: "Wananchi needed a partner that could offer a robust delivery method, due to the high profile nature of the channels and the strict SLAs in the carriage agreements. We can provide a reliable, cost-effective solution due to our unique location, operation through our new Media Centre and our international satellite and fibre connectivity, which gives us the ability to downlink almost all satellites worldwide."

This is our first mass channel delivery between the UK and Africa, and we look forward to building more links with this emerging market, which is a major focus for broadcasters around the World Cup this summer."

* * *

About WRN Broadcast (www.wrnbroadcast.com) International broadcast services company WRN Broadcast enables broadcasters, media owners and brands to deliver content to audiences worldwide. Founded in 1992, WRN Broadcast has expanded its offering from its inception as an international radio network - World Radio Network - to work across emergent digital content platforms to provide television and radio clients with worldwide coverage. The company now offers clients an end-to-end solution for ingest, content management, playout, encoding / multiplexing and worldwide distribution via fibre and satellite. The expanded offering is made possible by WRN Broadcast's brand new, state-of-the-art Media Centre, which offers clients the latest in broadcasting and transmission technologies. WRN Broadcast's client portfolio includes the most recognised broadcasters, content owners and brands around the world, including NHK, Voice of America, Top Up TV, Manchester United TV, Warner Bros, IMG and United Nations radio.

About Wananchi / Zuku The Wananchi Group is one Kenya's leading internet, data and entertainment companies. Wananchi launched Zuku, Africa's first Triple Play brand, incorporating broadband internet, cable television and voice telephony services. Offering Zuku as a triple play product represents the first time that a Kenyan company has truly offered convergence. The Wananchi Group also incorporates Simbanet, East Africa's leading data service provider. Simbanet provides telecommunications services in mission-critical areas, and serves some of the region's biggest and most integrated organizations. Simbanet's client list includes some of Kenya's biggest banks, the country's biggest chain of cybercafés, and several Kenya Government departments.

WRN Rebrands

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

London, April 29, 2010: International broadcast services company WRN today unveiled its new brand identity - WRN Broadcast - to reflect the comprehensive range of broadcast services it provides for television and radio broadcasters, content owners and brands worldwide.

WRN Broadcast has expanded its offering to become a comprehensive global broadcast services provider following its acquisition of TSI Broadcast last year. The company now offers clients an end-to-end solution for ingest, content management, playout, encoding / multiplexing and worldwide distribution via fibre and satellite, building on its heritage as an international radio distributor.

The expanded offering is made possible by WRN Broadcast's brand new, state-of-the-art Media Centre, which offers clients the latest in broadcasting and transmission technologies. At the same time, WRN Broadcast has doubled the size of its Technical Team in order to provide clients with the highest possible service levels and expertise. In terms of new technology, the Media Centre comprises enterprise class hardware and software, including Pharos Mediator 4, which allows customers to manage and browse their content remotely, Omneon Video Networks, which offer a robust and future-proof server solution, Harmonic Encoding and Multiplexing capable of both SD and HD, plus Evertz Monitoring and Alarm Systems.

WRN Broadcast also announced that it has been contracted to provide content management and multi channel playout services to Top Up TV, the UK's leading DTT pay TV service. Since January 2010, WRN Broadcast has instigated a bespoke end-to-end tapeless workflow, which includes acquisition and file management from over 20 distributors, including some of the best known names in the global content industry. The solution also incorporates library management, ingest, file delivery, remote editorial compliance review, storage and archive, playout and distribution. All of this is enhanced by utilising a consolidated Pharos asset management system.

David Treadway, MD, WRN Broadcast, says: "We intend to build on our broadcasting and digital expertise to offer a wide range of innovative and cost-effective services to international television broadcasters and brands, in addition to our longstanding radio clients. The new Media Centre is central to this and will enable WRN Broadcast to take centre stage in TV and digital platforms as well as radio broadcasting. We are delighted to welcome Top Up TV as a client."

WRN Broadcast's portfolio of services now includes:

• SD/HD playout - TV and radio playout, time delay.
• Content management and file delivery - bulk ingest, transcoding, content storage, content verification, file delivery.
• Satellite and fibre distribution - downlink and backhaul, ad insertion, encoding and multiplexing, signal switching, uplinking, satellite capacity.
• VOD, IPTV and mobile solutions - live web streaming, Video On Demand, hosting, CDN services, mobile encoding and distribution.
• Data centre services - rack provision, equipment hosting, 24/7 monitoring and connectivity.
• Channel management - channel acquisition, EPG submission and management and consultancy.
• Facilities - TV and radio studios and media office space.

For more information on the company and its complete portfolio of services, please contact our sales department [email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected] or visit www.wrnbroadcast.com.