Sky News has announced that it is in talks with an Abu Dhabi-based private investor to launch a new 24/7 Arabic language satellite news channel.
The new channel would be run 50-50 between the two parties and be based in Abu Dhabi with free-to-air satellite distribution across the region. If the talks are successful, it could launch within 24 months.
The news follows an announcement about a new news network in Saudi Arabia, backed by the Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and in partnership with News Corp’s Fox News.
Head of Sky News, John Ryley, said on the Sky News website: “The Middle East is undergoing rapid economic and social development and is becoming an increasingly attractive region for media investment.
“This venture would build on our existing strengths as an international news provider and bring the Sky News brand to a new audience.
“Discussions are progressing well and we look forward to bringing a new approach to Arabic-language news.”
