Less than a week after the launch of its new Persian news channel, the BBC has extended the broadcast schedule of BBC Arabic television to a full 24 hours.
Like its Persian counterpart, the BBC is emphasising the multimedia aspects of the channel. “Our TV operation has gone from strength to strength since its launch as a 12 hours a day operation in March 2008, and our 24/7 television service will offer a non-stop news service for Arabic-speakers whenever, and wherever, they want it,” said Hosam El Sokkari, Head of BBC Arabic.
In addition to television, radio and online, the BBC is also developing a mobile WAP site that has seen traffic over the last three weeks increase five fold when compared to the weekly average in 2008. BBC Arabic is also offering one-minute video news bulletins in Saudi Arabia, via operators STC and Mobily.