Indonesia Meets the Challenge
Dec 19th, 2009 by Jim Reyes
(UCB Indonesia Board (R-L) Daniel Runtewene, Controller; Dr Jimmy Orentoro, Co Founder; Herman Soegeng, U Channel Director; Matthew Budiman, U Channel Manager; Chuck Quinley UCBI Regional Director & Denis Delaney, Co Founder. )
UCB Indonesia has signed a 5 year TV satellite contract for 24/7 free to view satellite coverage over Indonesia, much of South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
This decisive move was taken in faith by the UCB Indonesia board after U Channel’s 12 hour slot on Indonesia’s pay satellite service was cancelled by the provider. While U Channel would have preferred to retain the pay TV option, it was restricted to 12 hours a day and programmes placed around the 12 hr block were reflecting adversely on the U channel image. Many viewers incorrectly thought U channel was responsible for scheduling these other programmes.
Another benefit, not available on the previous pay service, is that other channels can rebroadcast UCB Indonesia’s TV channel provided they have approval from UCB. There are small regional Christian broadcasters who are keen to take the U channel feed so they can concentrate on producing and inserting local content.
This step of faith will increase the ministry’s costs significantly. While satellite fees are substantial, there will be additional costs to increase the percentage of Indonesian originated and subtitled programmes for a wider, non English speaking population.
Viva U-Channel, I love you because you put indonesian subtitle at the certain program.
Keep Up and keep it Free onair!