Sky News Arabia, the multi-platform 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel, has started broadcasting to over 50 million homes across the Middle East and North Africa.
Sky News Arabia, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation (ADMIC) and BSkyB, said it|will offer a new and fresh approach to news across the Arab world.”
The channel is supported by an ‘editorial advisory committee’ – a first for the region – “to ensure Sky News Arabia delivers balanced, accurate and consistent news.”
Broadcasting from Abu Dhabi, the channel delivers news across multiple platforms, with its mobile apps that are available on iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices.
Promising objective and impartial news delivery Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, chairman of ADMIC, said in his launch speech: “The region demanded an Arab news product which incorporates both the technological developments and the fast changing media consumption habits that are transforming how news is gathered and disseminated.
“Our market research uncovered a strong appetite from Arab audiences for a high calibre, independent news channel which delivers news in real time and across multiple media platforms, be they high definition television sets, the internet, smart phones or tablets.
“This, coupled with the pace of change and development of the global media landscape, reaffirms the need for Sky News Arabia – a channel launched from the heart of the Arab world for the Arab world. I am confident Sky News Arabia will become an icon for objective news reporting,” Al Jaber explained.
Commenting on the channel’s launch, Nart Bouran, head of Sky News Arabia, said: “This is a momentous occasion for Sky News Arabia and, I believe, a leap forward for the news industry in the Arab world. Our 400 strong editorial team will aim to set new standards for regional news through a high quality, engaging news product which informs viewers of events as and when they happen.”
Andrew Griffith, CFO, BSkyB and Sky News Arabia Board Director, explained: “BSkyB is one of the UK’s most innovative and successful companies and Sky News has always been a pioneering part of our business. Our partnership with ADMIC to create a truly independent news offering for the Middle East and North Africa is a project we are fully committed to. It is an investment that both parties are proud to have made and we aim to set a new standard for news delivery in the region.”
The channel is broadcasting on Arabsat Badr 4, on Nilesat 201, and distributed by the du IPTV and e-Life platforms and in HD on the OSN pay-TV platform, as well as the Abu Dhabi TV Network.
