Television in the British Paradise Islands

from The Essential Paradise, series sourcebook

Doc. 2.23. Telly, anyone?
The average resident’s television equipment in the British Paradise Islands is unable to receive the lucrative and desirable North American station’s signals across 3500 kilometres of open ocean. In Paradise, then, there are merely two television choices for viewers not connected to cable service or private satellite dishes. Since 1959, Paradise Telecom, the public utility, through their Paradise Television network (PTV), have originated two channels of local programming, consisting of news, weather, and regular-scheduled entertainment, provided free via airwaves to all island households:

PTV One
Features local programmes, some syndicated shows (mostly BBC-TV), sports commentary, a regular report on Territorial Parliament sessions, BBC World News

PTV Two
Features more ‘global’ programming, especially American and Australian shows, world sports, general-interest specials

PCE
Paradise Cable Entertainment (PCE) was founded by David Holloway and Jonathan Cavaliere and has been administered by Paradise Telecom via local cable subscriptions, since 1988. Satellite downlinks on Caravelle, Morning and Hope Islands provide full-time fibre-optic service to 89% of territorial neighbourhoods as of 1994.

PCE carry the BBC TV and radio channels, plus various American, Australian, and British signals. FM radio signals, both foreign and territorial, are also provided, including the shortwave-originated Radio Free Europe (Radio Liberty) and BBC international services.

As of 1994 PCE have begun offering a 24-hour computer electronic-messaging and information service via cable. Negotiations to begin in 1995 shall determine if a proposed data link with the British Library in London and other cultural; and educational sites will become a reality.

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