APTN Direct receives industry award

International video agency APTN has won the award for 'most innovative use of technology in international broadcasting' at the inaugural AIB International Broadcasting Awards.
The agency's live news product, APTN Direct - launched ahead of the Iraq war to provide live and rolling news coverage of the conflict - is now being used by more than a hundred television networks world-wide. It combines satellite delivery of live video from the heart of the action with an interactive web page, which updates coverage 24/7 and allows APTN's content managers and broadcasters to communicate with each other in real-time via a message board.
APTN Direct competed with Globecast, Teletrax and Discovery for the award, which was handed over at the Association for International Broadcasting's regional forum in London.
Nigel Baker, APTN's Executive Director, said: "We are proud that APTN Direct has such growing international recognition. It's a simple concept designed to meet broadcasters' 21st century requirement for live coverage from all major events.
"Since its launch in 2003, most of the world's major broadcasters have subscribed to the service."
The judging panel was comprised of the AIB's executive committee, Chief Eexecutive and an independent broadcast industry expert.
This is APTN Direct's second industry award - having won Cable & Satellite International magazine's 'Best Permanent/Occasional Video Service' accolade in 2004.
(GB)