The U.S. Defense Contracting Command-Iraq has awarded Harris a one-year $96 million contract to revamp Iraq’s antiquated, war-ravaged media infrastructure, turning it into a modern media organization.
Under the contract, which was awarded earlier in the month, Harris will supply broadcast equipment, operation, training and provisioning of programming for a national network of TV and radio stations and a national newspaper with locations in Baghdad and more than 30 other sites through Iraq.
The Defense Contracting Command let the contract on behalf of the Coalition Provisional Authority for the Iraqi Media Network (IMN). Two six-month contract options could bring the value of the deal to about $165 million.
The IMN contract is intended to create a top-notch media organization from the existing Iraqi organization. Two radio channels, two television channels and a national newspaper "Al Sabah" are planned.
As part of the contract, Harris will provide transmitters, integration and broadcast automation equipment with support from the Lebanese Broadcasting Corp. International network and Al Fawares, a Kuwait-based company with Iraqi ownership.
Lebanese Broadcasting will train Iraqi journalists and media personnel. The network also is responsible for programming the two radio channels and two television channels. One channel will be devoted to news and the other will carry entertainment programming. The four channels will be transmitted terrestrially, and the all-news television channel will be available via satellite as well.
For more information, please visit: www.harris.com.
