GECs
APTN brings war into Chinese drawing rooms
LONDON: Associated Press Television News (APTN), the world’s leading television news agency, made broadcast history when it helped bring live coverage of the war in Iraq to the Chinese state television, China Central Television (CCTV).
CCTV is one of 40 broadcasters which has signed up to APTN Direct – a new service which delivers two satellite channels of live, war-related coverage to it existing subscribers.
When war broke out, CCTV broke into scheduled programming, using APTN coverage from Baghdad and also live coverage of war planes taking off from the USS Constellation in the Persian Gulf. “China watchers say it is the first time they can remember CCTV breaking into scheduled programming for an international news event. It is certainly the first time they have run live pictures from an American warship in action,” said Nigel Baker, APTN’s Director of Content.
APTN used a videophone with a gyroscopic antenna to deliver live pictures from the USS Constellation. The live video was used by broadcasters worldwide. APTN was also the first organisation to broadcast live pictures of Umm Qasr, in southern Iraq, using a specially-equipped desert friendly vehicle fitted with a customised light-weight satellite uplink. A similar vehicle was also used to deliver live coverage of the bombing of Mosul in northern Iraq.
APTN made a multi-million dollar investment in technology and satellite capacity to deliver the APTN Direct service, which allows broadcasters to access live material of the war – including pictures from Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf. The 40 customers were signed in the two weeks before war broke out.
Said Baker: “This must be the fastest roll-out of a news agency service and demonstrates the intense international interest in live news coverage.” APTN currently has 120 staff and 14 uplinks deployed in the Middle East. It is also the only international organisation providing transmission facilities for broadcasters – remaining in Baghdad since the conflict started.
APTN Direct was launched on 14 March 2003, and is available to customers of its main channel – known as the Global Video Wire.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
