In the last two years, Sharjah Radio and Television has undertaken several projects to overhaul its ageing, standard definition facility. In a brief interview with BroadcastPro ME, Dr. Khalid Al Midfa, director of Sharjah Radio and Television, sheds light on some of the projects by the state broadcaster Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, director […]
In the last two years, Sharjah Radio and Television has undertaken several projects to overhaul its ageing, standard definition facility. In a brief interview with BroadcastPro ME, Dr. Khalid Al Midfa, director of Sharjah Radio and Television, sheds light on some of the projects by the state broadcaster
Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, director of Sharjah Radio and Television, holds a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering from the Centre of Telecommunications Research, Bristol University, United Kingdom. Al Midfa graduated in 1995 from the Telecommunications Department at the Khalifa University (previously known as Etisalat University College) with a B.Eng with Honours Degree in Electric and Electronic Engineering. Al Midfa plays an active and influential role within the local community; where he served as a member of the Sharjah Emirate Consultative Council (2003 2007). He is the founding member of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum and has also worked as Assistant Professor at Khalifa University from 2004 to 2008.
We hear that Sharjah TV has undertaken several projects in the last year?
Yes, we have worked on several projects in recent times. Weve automated our FM radio station and post production facility. Sharjah TV installed two VISLINK mobile wireless systems for OB to cover the whole of Sharjah city for immediate live coverage of any event in the emirate; we have a state-of-the-art newsroom system; and our IT infrastructure was recently upgraded.
We also deployed a full backup system for FM 94.4 at our site in Sharjah; we installed two MENOS stations to uplink and receive satellite feeds from both Sharjah and Kalba for news gathering and occasional pGM; we have installed two transmission mixers for the new transmission area; and have begun pilot transmissions from Kalba.
You are building a TV station in Kalba?
Thats right. Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC) plans to launch a fourth TV station focused on the emirates eastern zone. Presently, SMC runs three TV channels including Sharjah TV, Sharjah Sports Channel and Sharjah22 Channel. We also operate a radio station and a media training centre. Our fourth TV station will focus on Sharjahs tiny eastern areas including Kalba, Dibba al Hisn and Khor Fakkan. The decision to launch this satellite TV station, which will operate out of Kalba, was made last year by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, the ruler of Sharjah. We havent yet finalised the launch date. We are first looking at increasing our programming content from the east coast. The SMC brand was officially launched last year, uniting existing TV and radio operations under one group.
Are there plans to distribute your content on multiple platforms?
Content delivery across multiple platforms will be key for any broadcaster looking to survive in the changing digital era and thats important for us as well. Our future goal is to reach the viewer wherever they are, whether it is through mobile screens, computer screens or TV.
What, according to you, is the future of TV broadcasting?
No doubt, the introduction of new technology has dramatically changed our TV viewing habits. The viewer now receives content in many different forms and increasingly, they make their own schedule to watch TV by recording so that they can adopt their viewing time according to their daily schedule. In addition, the availability of Internet TV and mobile applications for TV reception have challenged traditional broadcasting methods and have compelled traditional players to rethink their investment patterns. The future lies in providing content anytime, anywhere.
Has Sharjah Media Corporation opened any new studios or facilities recently?
We recently revamped one of our 850 sqm studios. It is now a full HD facility that is wired for six cameras. The studio was fully overhauled and the studio floor was re-done with a full acoustic work to the wall and the ceiling. A new lighting system has been installed in the studio.
Does SMC have any archival plans?
We have deployed a completely tapeless workflow. We capture our footage with cameras equipped with solid state storage devices, where the material is edited in non linear editing suites and sent either to our transmission server or to our digital LTO-based data tape archive. But we do have plans to archive our existing footage.
