WELT HD and N24 Doku extend Astra satellite distribution
November 2, 2026 08.00 Europe/London By Jörn Krieger

German broadcaster WELT TV has extended its distribution agreement with SES, securing satellite capacity for news channel WELT HD and documentary channel N24 Doku via Astra at 19.2° East into the next decade.

The renewed agreement covers the unencrypted transmission of the SD channel N24 Doku and the distribution of WELT HD as part of the HD+ platform. Both channels will therefore remain available to DTH satellite households via the Astra orbital position.

“SES has been a reliable partner in distributing our programmes for many years. With the contract extension, we are ensuring that our quality journalism and documentaries reach a broad audience without barriers. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership, which guarantees WELT HD and N24 Doku reliability at the highest technical level,” said Thorsten Prohm, Chief Technical Officer at WELT TV.

Christoph Mühleib, Managing Director of SES Germany and HD Plus, added: “There are some types of content that viewers do not want to do without. News, reports and documentaries are undoubtedly among them. I am therefore particularly pleased about the extension of the partnership between WELT TV and SES Germany. The new agreement will ensure that N24 Doku and WELT HD continue to enjoy reliable reach via Astra at 19.2° East, and that the channels are available where they reach many people: in millions of households in Germany.”

The agreement underlines the continued importance of satellite distribution as a platform for linear television in Germany.