MUMBAI: BBC World has been named best news channel for the third time in seven years at the Hot Bird TV Awards, the annual celebration of the finest multi-channel broadcasting in Europe.
The jury comprised of an independent panel of media journalists from major print publications throughout Europe, described BBC World as "the most complete and exhaustive source of TV news in the year 2004".
BBC World, which broadcasts hourly news bulletins and the best of the BBC's award-winning documentary, current affairs and lifestyle programming, was shortlisted in the category alongside Euronews, Rai Med and Sky News. Several hundred television channels were eligible to enter the Hot Bird TV Awards, organised by the leading satellite operator Eutelsat, states an official release.          
BBC World's Asia editor, Rita Payne, was presented with the award on 2 October at a special ceremony in the Italian city of Venice. BBC World was also named best news channel at the Hot Bird TV Awards in 1998, the ceremony's inaugural year, and in 2002, specifically in recognition of its coverage of the attacks on the United States on 11th September 2001. No other channel has received the award three times.
Jeff Hazell, director of sales and distribution at BBC World, says: "To win such a prestigious award from Eutelsat for a third time is a stunning achievement. It acknowledges the depth and strength of the balanced, accurate and ground-breaking journalism seen on BBC World and the analysis of the stories behind the headlines for which we are recognised around the globe."