Broadcasters form Internet platform

RTL Group SA and ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG have set up a joint Internet platform for free television in Germany and Austria, reports Bloomberg Business Week.

The joint venture will allow public and private TV channels to put content online, where it can be streamed by users, the companies said in an e-mailed statement.

The TV channels will pay for use of the technical infrastructure and services.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has said it does not see a possibility for the unveiling of a commercial digital terrestrial television service in the Republic until after analogue switch off, Broadband TV News states.

In a statement the BAI reiterated its disappointment that none of the three applicants to the 2008 licensing process had been able to bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion.

The authority and its predecessors have been battered by the failure of successive commercial operations, including consortia led by Teracom (Boxer) and telco Eircom, to take up licence offers.

The media battle for hearts and minds in the Middle East is certain to intensify with Egypt's launch of its Nilesat 201 satellite, writes UPI.

Egyptian satellite TV provider Nilesat, which serves the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, announced the satellite.

Egyptian Information Minister Anas al-Fiqi said the new communications platform will boost Egypt's competitive position in this strategic sphere.