Specialised and Niche
Obama gives public broadcasting higher rating than Bush
MUMBAI: Public broadcasting is finding greater support from the Obama administration than it did under former President George Bush.
PBS chief Paula Kerger said the Corporation for Public Broadcasting‘s $430 million budget for this year has been left untouched by President Barack Obama, an approach contradictory to Bush administration’s repeated bids to reduce or eliminate the federal subsidy. PBS hopes to receive a further increase to $450 million next year.
PBS has been hit hard by the economic downturn and recently downsized by 10 per cent “We are trying to be quite realistic about the resources we have available,” Kerger said, adding that the network wants to pay for and offer only “extraordinary content.”
Clearly, Kerger finds Obama more inclined to public broadcasting than Bush. “I guess the best way to answer that question is that coming out of the administration, we received full funding for public broadcasting, which is the first time in eight years,” Kerger said. “So I think that says something.”
According to the annual Roper poll, Americans rank public broadcasting as the second most important use of funds after defence.
PBS is planning three religious documentaries for next year. This includes God in America, The Buddha and The Calling.
“For many Americans, exploring religion and faith is one of life’s biggest and most central questions, and PBS offers some of the most compelling, wide-ranging programming on this subject anywhere on television,” said PBS chief programming executive John Wilson.
God in America is a six-hour series for fall that examines 500 years of American religious history from the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the 2008 presidential election.
The Buddha, a two-hour documentary from Emmy winner David Grubin slated for spring, tells the story of the enlightened Indian sage and tracks his biography aided by paintings and sculptures.
The Calling, from independent producer Danny Alpert, is a four-hour documentary following eight people on their journey into the clergy of different faiths — Islam, Catholicism, Evangelical Christianity and Judaism.
Specialised and Niche
Travelxp 4K launches on iNES Group in Romania
Premium travel channel arrives in native 4K HDR for viewers
BUCHAREST: Travel just got a little sharper in Romania. Travelxp 4K has officially launched on iNES Group, expanding its European footprint and bringing cinematic travel storytelling to more homes across the country.
Now available to iNES subscribers on channel 137, the fully Romanian-localised channel delivers immersive native 4K HLG HDR quality at the touch of a button. From bucket list landmarks to hidden corners of the globe, viewers can explore a sweeping range of destinations without leaving the sofa.
Travelxp 4K says it is currently the only television channel in Europe dedicated entirely to global travel and lifestyle programming in 4K. Its line-up blends striking cinematography with culturally rich narratives, designed to appeal to armchair adventurers of all ages and backgrounds.
Travelxp managing director Europe Sumant Bahl, described the launch as another key step in strengthening the brand’s presence in Romania and across the continent. He said the partnership with iNES Group would inspire Romanian audiences with high quality content showcasing the beauty, diversity and culture of destinations around the world.
iNES Group development director Sorin Ionescu, said the addition reflects the operator’s focus on enhancing its television offering with premium, relevant content. He noted that Travelxp 4K complements the company’s portfolio by giving subscribers access to world class travel and lifestyle programming in 4K HDR, delivering outstanding picture quality and an elevated viewing experience.
With this launch, Romanian viewers can expect fewer passport queues and more panoramic views, as global journeys arrive in vivid detail on their screens.
