New Delhi, Dec 8 : Al Jazeera English, the 24-hour news and current affairs channel, has been granted a downlinking licence to broadcast in India, says a channel press release.
The decision of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, allows cable and satellite companies in India to add Al Jazeera English to their current line-up of channels.
The announcement from the Indian Government followed a formal application process by Al Jazeera English, which was initiated in 2006.
Cable and satellite platforms will now be able to begin distributing the channel immediately, and Al Jazeera has already received indication from a number of providers that they will air the channel.
“This is an exciting breakthrough that has been in the works for several years, and we are extremely pleased that Al Jazeera English's programming will soon be available in India,” said Al Anstey, Managing Director of Al Jazeera English.
“We know there is a great demand for our award-winning 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. We are delighted that we now have the opportunity to present viewers in India with Al Jazeera English's in-depth coverage and rich context of today's most important global events.”
Al Jazeera English currently has a bureau in New Delhi.
Since launching in 2006, Al Jazeera English has become a world leader in the coverage of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The channel has more than 65 news bureaus around the world.
