05/22/06

AP Television News opens full-time bureau in North Korea

LONDON – AP Television News (APTN) has become the first Western news organization to establish a full-time office in North Korea. The announcement follows four years of negotiations with the state broadcaster, Korean Radio and Television, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the arrangement, international staff from AP Television News, which is headquartered in Britain, will work with local staff recruited from Korean Radio and Television. The bureau opened this week.

"Once again, The Associated Press opens a window with authoritative and impartial coverage from all parts of the world," said Tom Curley, president and CEO of The Associated Press. APTN is the international video division of The Associated Press.

APTN Executive Director Nigel Baker, in Pyongyang for the opening of the bureau, said: "This is a groundbreaking opportunity. APTN has secured frequent and prolonged access to North Korea over the past four years. The agreement for a full-time bureau now means we'll be the only Western news organization with regular coverage."

APTN also has four staff members in South Korea and provides content to over 15 broadcasters there. The new bureau in North Korea strengthens APTN's news leadership in the region.

AP Television News
APTN delivers breaking global news, sport, entertainment, technology and human interest video content to broadcasters, online and mobile platforms. Video captured by AP Television News can be seen by more than half of the world’s population on any given day. APTN also provides broadcast customers with broadcast facilities and technical expertise via its global network of strategically located bureaus. It is the international television division of The Associated Press.

For further information contact:

Toby Hartwell
Marketing
AP Television News
Tel: +44 (0)20 7482 7442

Linda Wagner
Corporate Communications
The Associated Press
Tel: +1 212 621 1895