DOUBLING POTENTIAL AUDIENCE A significant achievement for SAT-7 PARS in 2017 was launching on the popular satellite platform, Yahsat. Compared to Hotbird, the platform SAT-7 PARS has been broadcasting on since 2006, Yahsat covers a more focused area of Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikstan. It has a wider viewership amongst Persians because it requires a much smaller dish, which is helpful in a country like Iran where dish ownership is illegal. Broadcasting began on Yahsat in May and SAT-7 PARS’ potential audience doubled overnight. There was immediate opportunity to reach more people with God’s love as the only Christian channel broadcasting on this satellite. The channel’s Audience Relations team immediately noticed an increase in contact, especially from viewers in Afghanistan who previously were unable to access the channel on Hotbird. SAT-7 PARS is now broadcasting 24/7 on both Hotbird and Yahsat, with Yahsat mirroring the broadcasting schedule of Hotbird. Together the satellites provide coverage from Western Europe to the far reaches of the Middle East, maximizing the channel’s potential audience. EXPANDING INTO TURKEY An exciting development for SAT-7 PARS was producing a youth program, Herbal Tea, in the SAT-7 TÜRK studio. This marks the first step in expanding the channel’s production into Turkey. A large population of Persians are living in Turkey which gives opportunity to develop programs with new Persian actors, presenters and Pastors. The channel has already scheduled more studio time in Turkey for the future. The channels’ plans include having a SAT-7 PARS office and studio based in Turkey. DOCUMENTARY SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH The channel produced a hard-hitting documentary, Crystal Death, which brings much needed awareness to Iran’s growing drug problem. Director Moe Pooladfar says: “I wanted to shed light on the real-life stories of many in Iran who are affected by the growing drug problem: the dealer, the user, and the families of users. I was personally impacted by making this documentary, and I hope it will move viewers too.” The documentary has been subtitled in English, and the channel has plans to distribute the documentary widely. English subtitling expands the potential audience and impact of this production significantly, and will draw attention from English speaking viewers from all over the world. SAT-7 PARS CHANNEL UPDATE By broadcasting on Yahsat we have a whole new viewership; industry data indicates that it doubled the number of potential viewers for SAT-7 PARS in Iran. In addition, there are no other Christian channels on this satellite and so this is actually quite a unique and special opportunity for us. Dr Terence Ascott, SAT-7 Founder and CEO “ ANNUAL REPORT 2017 08