The INC estimates that to reach that level of activity it will need to build its own TV studio, lease digital and analogue satellite transponders, produce original programming, and use external programming sources. INC also plans to broadcast television programs via the Internet using streaming video technology. The INC has informed us that since November it has been transmitting a test signal in digital format via satellite for one hour each day. The reception zone reportedly includes Iraq and a large region including much of Europe, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia. The INC chose the digital format for its quality of signal and economy, in the expectation that digital reception inside Iraq will continue to expand rapidly, as is the case throughout the Middle East.
Radio is a second key medium for disseminating information to the Iraqi people.
The INC informs us that planning for radio broadcasts is proceeding well, and that it hopes to establish a signal receivable inside Iraq early in 2001. The INC plans to expand programming to 24 hours per day by broadcasting eight hours of programming three times per day. This will require facilities to produce original program content. The INC plans to focus programming on news, current affairs, and content relating to democracy, human rights, and the crimes of the Baghdad regime. To expand the area of coverage in Iraq, the INC plans to purchase a high power transmitter inside the country.