In line with its aim to consistently enhance its services, Sky News Arabia has integrated ENCO’s DAD automation system with its existing Avid iNEWS newsroom computer system (NRCS). The integration enhances its radio offering from a simple audio simulcast to unique, radio-specific content across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Sky News Arabia was already using the iNEWS system for its TV broadcast and wanted to integrate its TV and radio operations through the same NRCS to streamline its workflows and ensure ease of use for journalists and producers.
ENCO’s iNEWS MOS Interface plug-in enables Media Object Server (MOS) protocol integration between iNEWS and the DAD automation system. This allows journalists and news producers to access DAD audio asset libraries directly within the iNEWS client interface. Users can search the ENCO library, preview clips, trim media, and bring the results into their stories by dragging and dropping the desired items. iNEWS rundowns are automatically synchronized as playlists on the DAD automation system to keep everything updated for subsequent playout.
Audio clips can be recorded into Sky News Arabia’s DAD system in the studio or imported using the DAD Dropbox utility. Journalists interact with the DAD system primarily through the iNEWS plug-in, while studio personnel take advantage of the DAD Presenter interface for managing playout.
Suresh Kumar, director of technology, at Sky News Arabia commented: “The process of deploying DAD radio automation and integrating it with our iNEWS newsroom system was done in line with our aim to constantly enhance our technical efficiencies. This seamless integration will enhance our ability to deliver content quickly and efficiently to our audiences through our radio channel, and we were pleased to partner with ENCO who acted as an extension of our own team throughout this project.”
Sky News Arabia broadcasts comprehensive 24/7 regional and international news coverage across its TV, radio, and digital platforms.