Alhurra, a new Arabic-language satellite television network, began broadcasting to the Middle East on 14 February 2004.
Alhurra (Arabic for “The Free One”) is devoted primarily to news and information. In addition to reporting on regional and international events, the channel broadcasts discussion programs, current affairs magazines and features on a variety of subjects including health and personal fitness, entertainment, sports, fashion, and science and technology. The channel is dedicated to presenting accurate, balanced and comprehensive news.
Alhurra is operated by The Middle East Television Network, Inc., a non-profit corporation funded by the U.S. Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). The BBG is a federal agency that supervises all U.S. nonmilitary international broadcasting. The channel broadcasts from studios in Springfield, Virginia and bureaus throughout the Middle East.
“Our competitive edge in the Middle East is our very dedication to truth and free and open debate. And we will stand out like a beacon of light in a media market dominated by sensationalism and distortion,” said BBG Chairman Kenneth Y. Tomlinson.
Norman J. Pattiz, chairman of the BBG’s Middle East Committee who spearheaded development of Alhurra, said, “Alhurra will present fresh perspectives for viewers in the Middle East that we believe will create more cultural understanding and respect.”
“A key part of our mission is to be an example of a free press in the American tradition,” he added. “We’ve assembled a highly professional group of journalists primarily from the region to provide the kind of news and information that will resonate with our viewing audience and enable them to make informed decisions.”
Alhurra launched with a 14-hour per day program schedule and will expand to 24 hours within weeks. Prime time programming includes two, one-hour in-depth newscasts, a nightly live talk show called “Free Hour,” and Arabic translations of documentary and information programming from producers around the world.
Alhurra is available to viewers in the Middle East on the region’s two major satellite systems: Arabsat and Nilesat.
Arabsat Digital at
26 Degrees East
Arabsat C-band Analogue at 26 Degrees East
Nilesat Digital at 7 Degrees West
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is a Member of the AIB.