GLENDALE–A four-hour live broadcast kicked off the planned expansion of Armenian Cable Television–a 24-hour Armenian television channel managed by Horizon television and operating since June 1999–into the communities of Pasadena–Monbtebello and La Caada Wednesday–in what became a milestone in Armenian broadcast history. With this move–ACT now covers 22 cities within Southern California.
The Wednesday broadcast–especially produced for the launch of the channel into the new markets–began with welcoming remarks by Horizon Television Executive Director Ara Khachatourian–who outlined that now community members from the seven new cities will join viewers in Glendale–Burbank and La Crescenta–who have been watching ACT via channel 55 since June 1999.
Horizon Television works with more than 25 local Armenian-American producers–each of whom brings a unique approach and outlook to their respective programs.
Program host Edward Jouharian introduced the channel and its lineup of programs–by introducing each producer and segmen’s from their programs. The special broadcast also featured performances from famous singers Harout Pamboukjian–Razmig Mansourian–Salpy Mayilian and Andy–among others.
Each producer was asked to present a brief overview of his/her program. The introduction was followed by a video footage of their program.
The broadcast also featured news and interviews conducted by Horizon news anchors and program hosts.
"What was special about this program was the show of talent and force–proving once again that a cooperative effort is always a productive one," stated Khachatourian–who added "I really have to say a special thank you to all our fellow producers–without whose talent–commitment and cooperation–this expansion and the achievemen’s of Armenian Cable Television would not be possible."
Horizon Television–which became a programming affiliate to Charter Cable after the launch of Armenian Cable Television negotiated this opportunity with the Pasadena outlet of the same cable company in order to ensure that the large and growing Armenian-American community in Pasadena–Montebello and La Caada will be able to view Armenian television 24-hours a day.
In addition to Pasadena–Montebello and La Caada–Armenian Cable Television airs on Charter Cable’s channel 280 in Alhambra–Altadena–Azusa–Commerce–Duarte–Huntington Park–Irwindale–Monterey Park–Norwalk–Rosemead–San Gabriel–South Monrovia–South SanGabriel–Temple City–Walnut and West Covina. (La Caada residents west of the Angeles Crest Highway can view ACT on Charter Cable’s Channel 55 along with residents of Glendale–Burbank and La Crescenta.
"Our aim has always been to serve the Armenian-American community by providing to them entertainment–accurate and up-to-the-minute information and live news coverage of events such as the siege on the Armenian parliament on Oct. 27–1999–the debate on the Genocide resolution in Congress and the tragedy of Sept. 11," explained Ara Khachatourian the director of Horizon Television.
"This expansion now allows the very heavily Armenian-populated cities of Pasadena–Montebello–La Caada and the surrounding areas to enjoy the quality programming that we have been providing during the past three years and the commitment to excellence to which Horizon television has adhered since its first airdate in 1989," he added.
"We also commend and appreciate Charter Cable for entrusting Horizon Television to become a programming affiliate and ensuring that the Armenian community receives the best programming on television," he stressed.
Wednesday’s special broadcast and the launch of Armenian Cable Television to the new markets concluded with a pledge by Khachatourian that the administration of Horizon and ACT is working diligently to ensure that the channel expand its horizon into other Armenian communities.