Saudi TV Gets a Face-Lift

posted on: Jan 16, 2010

As part of a new development strategy meant to improve their position in competition with the booming Arabic-language television market, Saudi TV is getting a face-lift.

Saudi Channel One, Saudi Sports Channel, and business channel Akhbariya will undergo changes such as a new logo and technical upgrades.

In cooperation with the upgrade of Saudi TV, the Ministry of Culture and Information has also recently hired a new technical staff and provided the necessary training involved in carrying out the new enhancements. There are also a group of new programs that have been recently aired on Saudi TV including “Sbaha Al-Saudia” (“Saudi Morning”), “Al-Mamlaka Al-Hatha” (“The Kingdom of Life”), and “Al-Massa Hadeeth Al-Yasmine” (“Jasmine Talk”). In addition, three new studios have been added equipped with technology competitive to global standards.

The studios will help in supporting the recently launched five new TV channels, which, were announced by Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja last month and launched on Dec. 18. The channels include two channels dedicated to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.

There will also be a channel highlighting Saudi Arabia’s position in the global economy. Another channel will be devoted to cultural dialogue and the Kingdom. Also in the works is Ajyal, a new educational children’s channel.

The channels can currently be seen on satellite TV in Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, and Hawaii.

Competition in the Arabic language television market has heated up lately with as many as 500 Arabic channels being broadcast for 16 Arab countries to choose from, according to the Arab States Broadcasting Union.

Arab News