[Satellite TODAY 01-09-12] GlobeCast has relocated a group of premium Arabic channels from the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) to the Arabsat 5C satellite located over Africa, the companies confirmed Jan. 6.

   The Global Arabic Bouquet’s (GAB) potential viewership and footprint has expanded since the launch of the partnership between GlobeCast, Arabsat and ASBU partnership in 2004. GlobeCast is providing all the technical services required for the GAB’s end-to-end delivery.

   The service on Arabsat 5C replaces the bouquet’s previous distribution. Arabsat-5C is Arabsat’s newest satellite and was launched in September 2011.

   “Arabsat 5C will give the Arab broadcasters an opportunity to reach the Arab viewers in the African continent, where C-band still plays an important role. This means that Arab broadcasters can now reach African viewers more easily,” ASBU Director General Salaheddine Maaoui said in a statement.