Global Media Services (GMS), the outside broadcast and transmission arm of The Associated Press, is to open a new bureau in Afghanistan ahead of the country’s general elections in August.

The Kabul media centre will support foreign broadcasters by making studio space, crew, equipment, live camera backdrops and satellite and fibre links available for hire.

Afghan producers, fixers and drivers will provide local expertise.

“Kabul is the next logical step in the global expansion of GMS,” says Alla Salehian, director of GMS.  “What we are setting out to do is offer a bespoke and highly professional service which will help broadcasters cover one of the most dangerous regions in the world.”

Technology being added to the new bureau includes Sony PMW-EX3 cameras for ENG work, Final Cut Pro software for editing and a full ENPS newsroom system

AP is also providing a Commlink facility between Kabul and its London base for voice and WAN traffic to bypass the local telecoms infrastructure.

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