PRONEWS
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QATAR TV INSTALLS RIEDEL’S COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM
Qatar TV (QTV) has installed an extensive Riedel intercom system across its brand new state-of-theart 5,000sqm broadcast facility, which includes a 1,100sqm studio that is among the largest in the MENA region. Riedel Artist digital matrix intercom, Acrobat digital wireless intercom, Performer digital partyline intercom, and RiFace universal radio interface systems were supplied and integrated by Sony Professional Solutions MEA as part the broadcast solution within the Doha facility to ensure flexible and clear communications throughout the operation. “The Riedel system enabled and even facilitated open voice communications between our different teams, ultimately resulting in more streamlined and efficient operation here at QTV,” said Abdulkarim Elsabbagh, Head of Operations at QTV. The intercom installation at QTV is centered on Riedel’s Artist platform. It features two Artist 128 mainframes and one Artist 64 mainframe, which are networked via a redundant fibre ring that assures continuous system uptime. As its needs change, QTV can easily expand this system simply by adding additional Artist frames to the fibre ring.
Wohler appoints new Channel Manager for EMEA
Wohler Technologies has announced that Tarek Shaikh has been promoted to the role of Channel Manager for EMEA. In this new position with Wohler, Shaikh will lead the company’s efforts in strengthening its partner community, assuring superior service and support for customers, and increasing adoption of its solutions within the EMEA markets. “Not only does Tarek possess the experience and drive necessary to move our business forward, he also has the enthusiasm, resilience, and leadership skills that are so valuable in resolving the challenges that face broadcast and media companies today,” said John Terrey, Vice President of Sales at Wohler. “We are confident that, as he takes on greater responsibility here at Wohler, both our growing EMEA business and our expanding customer base will benefit.” Shaikh has more than 20 years of experience managing multi-departmental teams through development, growth, and change. Stuart Wood. Prior to joining Wohler’s EMEA offices in 2012, he held a variety of operations management roles in which he created new channel services and oversaw key areas ranging from product development and strategic positioning to partner communications and customer support. Shaikh will be based in Staines, U.K.
QTV employs about 65 intercom panels from the Artist 2000 series. The Artist system also provides VoIP connectivity and MADI interfacing between the facility’s LAWO audio consoles. The Performer digital partyline intercom and Acrobat digital wireless intercom systems are integrated seamlessly with the Artist platform. QTV has also incorporated professional mobile radios into the installation via Riedel’s RiFace universal radio interface.
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New EMEA Content and Creative Chief for Turner
Patricia Hidalgo has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Content & Creative Officer Kids for Turner Broadcasting System EMEA. Formerly VP Content & Programming Strategy for The Walt Disney Company EMEA, where she launched Disney’s first Telenovela for kids and undertook a major rebranding exercises for Playhouse Disney and Jetix channels, Hidalgo will head Turner’s portfolio of kids content and channel brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa. She will oversee all centrally-funded programming—such as acquisitions, co-productions, originals — channel branding; franchise and research initiatives; and editorial compliance across multiple platforms and formats.
YahSat appoints Masood M. Sharif Mahmood as CEO
YahSat has appointed Masood M. Sharif Mahmood as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of June 2013. He previously held the post of Deputy CEO (DCEO) in the company. Tareq Abdel Raheem Al Hosani will join Yahsat’s Board of Directors and will continue to play a vital role in the organisation’s strategic direction. Commenting on the executive appointments, Jassem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Chairman OF YahSat said: “Tareq played a key role in building YahSat into a world class satellite communication organisation. Under his guidance and direction, YahSat has gained industry recognition and continues to grow on both a local and international level. I wish Masood the best of luck in his new roles and I am confident that he will lead YahSat to further success.”
NMK makes key sales of DIS
NMK Middle East FZCO, distributors of Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS) in the Middle East has supplied key rental and installation systems to several companies in the region. Customers who have purchased the DDS5900 and DCS6000 systems for their respective projects include AudiViz, Black Arrow Integrated Solutions, Elvis Technologies and Technomight Qatar. For 60 years, DIS has provided state-of-the-art installed and rental solutions to the global meeting industry. Technologies include solutions for discussion, conferencing, interpretation, and parliamentary environments. A part of the Informationsteknik Scandinavia Group acquired by Shure Incorporated in 2011, DIS is represented through a global partner network in more than 80 countries, with offices in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia.
12 | www.broadcastprome.com | August 2013