Cihan to broadcast Turkish TV channels around world

A new agreement signed between Cihan and IPTV İletişim (Communications) Holding will introduce a new service that allows Turkish citizens all around the world to watch Turkish TV stations. The system, which integrates Internet and television technology, will allow users to watch television programs they miss in HD quality up to eight days after the program is first aired.

The partnership deal between the Cihan News Agency and IPTV İletişim Holding was signed at Cihan’s headquarters in Yenibosna. Cihan News Agency General Director Abdülhamit Bilici, Deputy General Director Zafer Demiriz and IPTV İletişim Holding CEO Gökhan Özsaraç took part in the deal-signing ceremony.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Bilici noted that this project was especially important for Europe, where there is a large Turkish population and increasing restriction on the use of satellite dishes. Noting that they are pleased about having reached an agreement, Bilici said: “There are more than 5 million Turks who reside in Europe. The population of Turkish origin in Germany alone is higher than 3 million. England, the Netherlands, Belgium and France are important countries in this respect as well. We can add Australia and the US to this list, too. Bringing Turkish channels via IPTV to people who keep a close eye on events in Turkey is going to be a wonderful service. Our biggest advantage as Cihan is that we have a strong relationship based on trust with national and local stations in Turkey.

Coupled with the latest technology our European partners provide, we will be able to build a new bridge between Turkey and Turks around the world. In this way, Turkish citizens overseas will not only be able to watch national channels but local channels that broadcast from their hometowns as well, which are not available over the satellite.”

Ending people’s longing for home country

Özsaraç explained that IPTV is a new globally approved technology. Noting that the aim of their efforts is to reach Turkish citizens living in different parts of the world, Özsaraç said: “We are going to reach everyone who speaks Turkish with this technology. The best part of IPTV is that you can watch television over the Internet without needing a satellite. The only thing that’s necessary is a television and an Internet connection. Hundreds of Turkish channels are going to be available. This agreement is going to expand the use of IPTV with 200 million people expected to use IPTV in 2014.”

The new technology will go into service first in the Netherlands and other European countries. The platform, which will deliver 10 local and 40 national channels, will become available to viewers around the world in the near future. It will also allow people who miss programs to watch them at a more convenient time. Programs will be available up to eight days after they are first aired, and viewers will be able to record programs and watch them later. In addition to the movie channels that viewers will be able to watch any time they want, channels will also be available in HD quality and 3D format.