'Channel NewsAsia' broadens RI reach

'Channel NewsAsia' broadens RI reach

SINGAPORE: Singapore-based Asian broadcaster Channel NewsAsia said Friday it has broadened its reach in Indonesia with the signing of an agreement with Metro TV for an exchange of news and programs.

The agreement signed earlier this week will allow Channel NewsAsia to be seen by audiences in Jakarta and 29 other large cities in Indonesia through Metro TV's free-to-air channel.

Channel NewsAsia is currently available to Indonesian viewers only through pay television. Metro TV is Indonesia's fastest growing free-to-air channel after starting up two years ago.

In September, the Singapore-based broadcaster linked with Radio TV Brunei to expand its reach in the neighboring oil-rich Southeast Asian kingdom.

Channel NewsAsia, run by the Media Corporation of Singapore (MediaCorp), is seen in 16 territories across Asia. It aims to provide an Asian perspective to news events in the region.

Company officials said the alliances with local television networks should add depth to its coverage of the region amid tough competition from global news giants such as CNN and BBC. -- AFP