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Al Jazeera International Al Jazeera International eyes June launch

Al Jazeera’s new English-language news service, Al Jazeera International could launch globally as early as June. According to the channel’s managing director Nigel Parsons speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, the channel needed to undergo technical tests before any firm launch date is announced. The tests are described by Mr Parsons as “the most complicated broadcasting operation ever”. “If there are no problems we could be on air before the World Cup – if there are then we will have delays,” he added. “But we will definitely start transmission this year.” Mr Parsons’ comments seem to dismiss previous reports suggesting the channel may launch late 2006 or early 2007. The new channel will not be available on Freeview but will launch on other digital TV platforms “broadcasting to between 70m and 100m homes worldwide.”