Adventist Television Network (Africa Office)

A Guide to establish TV Relay Stations for Hope Channel in Africa

Purpose: To brief Church Leaders on how to go about establishing TV Relay or Re-broadcasting Stations for the Hope Channel.

1       Background:  ATN has established a network of satellites covering the globe, which serve every continent. 
         Africa is served by the PAS-7 Satellite on C-band, requiring downlink stations to install the appropriate equipment. 

 Hope Channel is now broadcasting 24/7 and may be received by all our downlink sites at Churches, Hospitals and Homes  of members.

2               Opportunity:

We now have the opportunity of sharing these continuous broadcasts in our communities in a variety of ways:

a)             Setting up equipment to relay or rebroadcast the Hope Channel so that it may be received on household TV sets.
b)             Offering our broadcasts to local TV stations
c)             Offering our broadcasts to local Cable Networks (Also used in large institutions such as hospitals)  

The rest of this document will focus on Option a) above.

Relaying broadcasts is attractive to many churches and even lay members, as it gives them the opportunity to
insert local video material into the relayed broadcast.

3        What are the components of a Relay Station?

A typical relay station will include the following components.  Costs do NOT include shipping, local customs
& clearing charges, local taxes, such as VAT, or installation charges.

Notes

1        The tower is often the most expensive component.   A lot of money may be saved by obtaining the use of existing towers, especially those used by other broadcasters.

2        Money may often be saved by locating your antenna near the edge or outside of a town, rather than at your office / church / home.   The downlink signal could be received at your church / office and sent by microwave link to the tower.

4        What components would we need?

This would depend on what reception area you wish to reach.  Trained Site Evaluators could visit your city to advise on what equipment you would need.

As a general guide:  If the reception area is generally quite flat, a 1watt transmitter will cover up to 8 Km from the tower, and a 2 watt, up to 16 Kms.  Where the terrain is uneven and mountainous, more power may be needed and costs will generally be higher.   Large cities with many other TV broadcasters can be more complex and costly.

5        Who is responsible for the costs?

ATN has provided the satellite network and the programs without charge. It is the responsibility of the local
Regions/Divisions, Unions and other organizations to carry costs of relay stations.        

6        What are the first steps we should take?

Step 1:  Find out from your Regulator whether you may obtain a licence to broadcast (see separate guide document),
and how long it would take.  If it will take long, apply immediately for a licence to start broadcasting in 3 or 6 months’ time.

Step 2:  Ensure that you have a source of funds (an accurate cost quotation to be obtained later)

Step 3:  Appoint a Site Custodian (see responsibilities and qualities needed at the end of this document.) who can keep in contact with the installers

Step 4:  Request your Division for a Site Evaluator to visit your city to establish what components are needed for effective reception.  During his visit you will need:

a)       To arrange for groups of members to conduct a survey at selected homes in your city.  You may need to translate the survey forms into your local language.

b)       To provide maps and other documentation to assist the Site Evaluator (ask for a list).

c)       A list of the existing towers (including cell phone) and find out who the owners are.

d)       A list of all your TV stations, their power (watts) and what channel numbers they use.

e)       A list of names and contact details of members or friends who have good influence with technical staff at your TV stations.

Step 5:  Obtain your broadcasting licence and contracts for use of a tower in writing, if not already done

Step 6:  Approve the quotation for the equipment and installation.

Step 7:  Apply for exemption from Customs duties on imported equipment.

7        What resources are needed to keep the station operating?

          You would need to consider the following:

a)       If you intend to broadcast local video material, who will operate the equipment, where it will located and who will provide the video material.

b)       Monthly financial commitments such as electricity (very little), maintenance.

c)       Advertising the programs to the reception area.

 

See also: Guide to applying for a TV Licence, Values taught by the Hope Channel

Task Description of the Site Custodian

Appointed by and reports to Conf / Mission President or designee.  Preferably a lay person.

          Responsibilities   

§         Lives near to the transmitter site and can easily visit it.
§         To provide information to leaders and installers
§         Assists with Site Evaluation
§         To be included in planning & meetings held near the site
§         Monitors the transmissions regularly
§         Supervise earthworks, and minor construction, if needed
§         Controls security and access to site
§         Carries out monthly inspections for maintenance
§         Safekeeping of drawings, diagrams, or other relevant documentation
§         Protects the interests of the Local Church and ATN.

Qualities needed

§         Dependable and reliable
§         Able to follow instructions well
§         Able to carry out simple investigations and report problems
§         Able to communicate well with technical support by phone or email
§         Technical training useful, but not essential
§         Handyman skills useful, but not essential.

8 Jul 04     Questions and suggestions - Email: Techinfo@adventist.tv