AP Broadcast Services Announce Tibetan Contract

Following on from AP Television News' opening of an office in Pyongyang, North Korea, AP Broadcast Services are finalising details to be the first provider of a satellite uplink in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.
For the first time ever, AP Broadcast Services will provide broadcasters with live news capability out of Tibet when the new rail link with the rest of China begins operating on 3 July 2006.
"Being there first is what we do" says Chris Stocking, Head of AP Broadcast Services. "We sent the exclusive pictures of the first sunrise of the new Millennium in 2000 - and we are determined to stay ahead throughout the rest of this century.
"Once AP Television News has gained news access in locations such as Tibet and North Korea, to then enable broadcasters to go live is also critical."
The rail link – one of the world's highest train routes – runs from China's north-western Qinhua Province, climbing 5,072 metres above sea-level across Tibet's snow-covered plateau into Lhasa. Trains travelling on the rail link will have sealed carriages to protect passengers from altitude sickness. Geographically isolated, the arrival of the railway will bring tremendous change to the region.
Foreign media have been invited to board a train from Beijing on 1 July 2006, which is scheduled to arrive in Lhasa on 3 July 2006 and AP Broadcast Services plan to establish a feedpoint and live position at Lhasa Railway Station to assist with media coverage when they arrive.
(GB)