Globus Group (GG) is competing with Jerusalem Capital Studios (JCS) to provide production and studio services to foreign networks operating in Israel, in addition to the competition between the companies over services to the Channel 2 news company.
GG said it is in advanced negotiations with twelve foreign communications concerns with news offices in Israel to operate from its communications center in Neve Ilan. GG declined to disclose the names of the foreign companies it is negotiating with.
GG recently set up a new news center in Neve Ilan. The company won a Channel 2 news company tender, and set up a studio and editing complex for the news company at an investment of $6 million. It invested a further $2 million in complementary infrastructure for foreign networks to operate from Neve Ilan, connected to other broadcasting stations in Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Palestinian Authority territory.
GG also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Top Line Studios of Kiryat Shmona, from where most foreign networks broadcast in the north of Israel. Top Line is currently setting up new studios in Kiryta Shmona.
GG says it is offering foreign companies the latest technological means and work environment for broadband Internet, television and communications. As of the end of 2000, GG will also offer a helicopter service from the Neve Ilan landing pad.
As reported in "Globes", JCS recently renewed contracts with CNN and CBS up to 2006, and extended contracts with two French, two German, and the Japanese public networks.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 23 August, 2000