On new initiatives taken by your channel in the current year

At the beginning of the year we undertook a refresh of the channel, launching six news programmes tailored to regional audiences, alongside a new weekend programme line-up, as part of a new look and schedule. The programmes are part of a suite of changes to both weekday and weekend schedules, tailored to suit regional audiences around the world. The changes have been really well received by our audiences and have given us a more distinctive programme offering across the day and at weekends.

On investment plans in equipment for 2010 on a turnkey basis

There are a number of innovations we are considering for the near future. For broadcast, High Definition is very much on the horizon for us, although it does present some unique challenges for news. Covering a breaking story, and being able to update an audience on a continual basis will, always be a priority and we will often use footage from a variety of sources to tell those stories in the best way possible. That said, in 2012 BBC News moves to a brand new 21st century facility in Central London, which will enable a range of upgrades to the service. By that time, I would expect HD to be mainstream technology in a number of markets. We are also investigating demand for our award winning factual current affairs output in relation to VOD services.

On the major broadcasting initiatives taken by you, and on your strategy for specialty channels

In a number of markets around the world, BBC World News forms a key part of a bundle with the bouquet of channels presented by BBC Worldwide. Exploiting the synergy between these, as well as our online assets such as BBC.com, is an ongoing priority for the business. We are always seeking ways to enhance value to both our audience and business partners.

On challenges in upgradation of technology. Any new channels in the pipeline?

Our priority is always to broadcast global quality output so we always look to upgrade when we can - for example, 16:9 upgrades. One of the biggest frustrations around that is when the end user has not been able to experience this quality at home. Developing technology enables a big change in the television viewing experience, in terms of both choice and quality. Ultimately though, BBC World News' focus will always be on our output and our traditions of excellence in global news, and our main aim is to deliver that to our viewers in the best way possible, however technology facilitates that. Some of the most compelling statistics in the media world are around the growth of pay TV platforms, especially here in Asia. Enhancing the viewers' experience and enabling better navigation of our service via applications developed for the big screen are tremendously exciting.

On your future plans

One of the most fascinating developments for us as an international news channel is the way people's interest in global news is increasing. Last year, with such stories as the global economic crisis and climate change, we saw substantive increases in audiences in both Europe and Asia, proving the increasing importance, relevance and value of high quality authored international journalism. News is not a commodity, and issues such as provenance and impartiality remain vital for our viewers.

Fundamentally, it is clear that people love television. Investment in home entertainment systems, flat screen, HD, and now 3D technology prove the continuing appeal of the medium. For this reason alone, it is clear that our industry continues to have a bright and exciting future.