German broadcasters ARD and ZDF have signed new long-term contracts to continue their partnership with SES Astra, a unit of SES Global [Luxembourg: SESG]. The new contracts allow for a switch-over from analogue to digital satellite transmissions throughout Germany. The new long-term contracts cover analogue and digital satellite distribution via Astra’s prime orbital position of 19.2 degrees east longitude for all of Germany’s public TV and radio programs.