The latest Arabic news channel, Al Arabiya, co-owned by Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC), went live yesterday from Dubai Media City (DMC) at 3pm.
MBC, Middle East News (MEN) and several Lebanese, Saudi and Kuwaiti businessmen are investing Dh1.1 billion ($300 million) in Al Arabiya over a five-year period, with an annual allocated amount of Dh220.2 million ($60 million), said reports.
"Part of the Dh1.1 billion investment has already been made by a group of Arab investors, some of whom have interests in MBC and MEN. The rest will be made available as the channel expands its network," said Martyn Wheatley, MEN managing director.
Al Arabiya, which is expected to compete with the popular news channel Al Jazeera and the Arab News Network (ANN), will offer 12-hour broadcasting for the first two weeks before launching the 24-hour transmission from the first week of March. It will air news updates every hour and three one-hour news bulletins daily.
To stay away from the influence of its financiers, the channel is looking at establishing a council of trustees responsible for drawing its editorial policies, said Ali Al Hudaithi, director general and CEO of MBC, in several reports.
Al Arabiya, he added, will benefit from MBC's 31 global offices including those in Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Israel and the U.S.
"We are using the news network of MEN consisting of 40 correspondents and bureaus who will be dedicated to our channel," said Fadi Ismail, head of current affairs and documentary, of MBC FZ LLC.
"We have already hired about 350 professionals, including newsmen, camera crew, editors, technicians and staff ahead of the launch."
Customers will be able to log on to the DMC-based Al Arabiya channel on S/R 27.500 Dol Col H through Arabsat or 11785 MHz on Q Band, MS BS 2A on Arabsat or 4085 digital or C Band analogue.
"Al Arabiya will introduce speedy, detailed news reporting that relies on our extremely qualified correspondents in over 40 countries," said Salah Qallab, spokesman for Al Arabiya, "The truth will be told, and we will discuss Arab and international issues."
Al Arabiya's programming consists of intensive news, current affairs and documentaries. It will air unedited testimonials from people, encouraging viewers to express their own opinions. There will also be a variety of documentaries.
Gulf News 2003
