The BBC’s Scotland office. Photo: Batchelor/Wikipedia

[Via Satellite 04-01-2015] BBC Global News announced a long-term agreement with SES to broadcast its international news channel in High Definition (HD) on Astra at 19.2 degrees east. SES will broadcast the Free-to-Air (FTA) channel — an HD version of BBC World News in English — from its Betzdorf, Luxembourg headquarters.

“We know from our viewers that they value HD services. BBC World News originates in pure HD, so it’s fantastic to be able to bring this service to our European heartland,” said Colin Lawrence, director of distribution for BBC Global News. “Following the investments we made in our content and presentation on BBC World News, last year we saw an audience increase in daily reach. HD is undoubtedly becoming the default viewing preference, and this new partnership enables delivery of our world-class service to European audiences.”