Autoscript has announced that it will provide English and Arabic teleprompting operational support and technology for BBC World Service’s new BBC Arabic Television news and information channel, due to commence in the autumn of 2007, writes Fergal Ringrose.
According to Jerry Timmins, head of Africa and Middle East Region, BBC World Service, “The coming BBC Arabic TV channel will be a true multi-media operation that will span content across television, radio and BBC interactive services. The combination of Autoscript’s technology and its around-the-clock service and support made them the right choice for BBC Arabic.”
Two prompting specialists will be provided thirteen hours a day, 365 days a year, at two studios based at the BBC’s newly refurbished facility Broadcasting House in London. The installation will use the latest systems available from Autoscript, including 17-inch on-air monitors and ClockPlus, an LED SMPTE/EBU time code display with the ability to change instantly from green (standby) to red (live or recording) when an appropriate tally input is applied.
One studio will use Autoscript’s RAT (receive and transmit) wireless scroll, which allows a presenter to move around a studio and control the speed of the prompted text. Autoscript will also provide a Wireless Opto foot control, a potless scroll that offers maximum precision for controlling scripts.
“Our reputation for providing quality technology, service and support appears to be fuelling an upsurge in this type of agreement,” said Brian Larter, managing director, Autoscript UK. “By fully understanding BBC Arabic’s specific prompting requirements, we were able to tailor a package that precisely matches their needs.”
