LIVE AND DIRECT Live and direct It was a big day for BBC , and one long in the planning, but it was a smooth start forthe new television channel. Head of BBC Arabic, HOSAM EL SOKKARI reports à Sam Farah puts questions from audience members to Secretary General of the , Amr Mousa . t 10AM GMT, on 11 March, 2008, Fida The BBC Arabic Bassil read the first news bulletin on multimedia programme ABBC Arabic TV. Those standing near Nuqtat Hewar facilitates her noticed that she was wearing a pair of debate among Arabic- silver trainers. They contrasted sharply with speakers around the her elegant attire but luckily viewers could world not see them. Apart from being comfortable they were her “lucky trainers”. After she had read the intro of the first story, the vision mixer cut into the package. And as soon as “Ten… nine… eight… It’s 15:05:50 GMT and director, Roger she was off the screen she almost jumped EXCEPTIONAL ANALYSIS Simpson is counting down for the handover from news to the out of her chair with joy, raising both hands. In the meantime, a special Newsnight was live interactive programme Nuqtat Hewar which is simulcast “We did it!”, she screamed. Her cheers were being broadcast on BBC Arabic offering on TV, radio and online. Presenter Sam Farah is standing out- echoed outside in the BBC Arabic news- in-depth analysis of one of the day’s stories. side studio 34D, looking like a boxer about to step into the room and in various buildings across the Following a meeting between the Saudi ring. BBC, where staff were glued in front of TV Crown Prince and the Emir of the two At the Arab League headquarters in , the secretary monitors to witness the historic moment. countries announced they were “sealing a general of the pan-Arab organisation, Amr Mousa, is hooked BBC Arabic is now a truly multimedia thaw” in relations. In previous months and up to the studio gallery via a satellite link and, over the follow- operation. Hundreds of staff are working in amidst reconciliation efforts between the ing 50 minutes, he will be answering questions from BBC audi- and across the globe to provide two countries, most people had noticed that ences. The debate about the dreams and realities of Arab unity audiences in the with news and the characteristic hostility of the Qatari has been going on for days on bbcarabic.com. Hundreds of information on radio, online and on TV. sponsored towards Saudi had contributions have been published online and some people faded, while the Saudi financed have sent in their views on videos, recorded on their webcams PROFESSIONAL WARMTH The launch of BBC Arabic TV was not a á Fida Bassil read the was no longer ‘nipping’ at Qatar. or video phones. The Lebanese newspaper As Safir sent a story for Al Jazeera though. It was, however, first ever news bulletin It made for a straightforward news item Sam gets his cue, walks into the studio and the show reporter to monitor the reaction of for the second major pan-Arab news on BBC Arabic TV. for most Arab channels, and gave Al Arabiya begins. Questions pour in from viewers, radio listeners and journalists in Beirut’s Al Jazeera office to the channel, Al Arabiya. They decided to run a The distinctive reporting and Al Jazeera the opportunity to have guests online users over the phone, email, SMS, webcams, etc. ‘You launch of BBC Arabic channel. Duhaa Shams special Panorama in the evening of our of BBC Arabic TV has talk about brotherhood, historical ties, joint only hold summits and meetings behind closed doors. How is wrote: “The cheers in the small control room launch day. The discussion programme lined received an enthusiastic fate and a “return of warmth to the the Arab League relevant to us?’ asks Mohamed from were loud. This was not a polite reaction up analysts and commentators to tackle the welcome from both relationship”. Mauritania. ‘What has the Arab League done to improve the intended to mask feelings of anxiety in front theme: “Foreign channels broadcasting in media professionals and To fully understand the story, however, living conditions of Palestinians?’ asks Marcel in Gaza. ‘I am of a colleague that came to report their Arabic”. The headline at the bottom of the audiences in the Middle one needs to go through the history of a very happy with this programme,’ the Arab League secretary response to a new competitor. You could feel screen read: “The launch of BBC Arabic TV East dispute that lasted for almost six years. Yet general says during the show, ‘It brings together people from ‘professional warmth’ in the air as a response does not worry Al Arabiya and Al Jazeera”. the origin of the rift and the issues in dispute all around the Arab world and shows the extent to which these to the newly born channel that they, like us, To bring balance to the discussion, the ex- – as well as the major highs and lows of the issues really matter to them.’ expect to add a special flavour to the Arab Director of the US Arabic TV channel, relationship – were hardly in discussion on In the gallery, the 50 minutes whizzed by like five. It was media scene. A flavour that has grown in the , was brought in by satellite to any TV channel in the Arab world. There was great fun.” public perception as a result of decades of represent an opposing view, although no one one exception: a new Arabic TV channel Mohamed Yehia, editor BBC Arabic online excellent professional conduct.” was contacted at the BBC. called BBC.

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WHAT VIEWERS HAVE SAID “It feels as if ages have passed since I took early retirement from BBC Arabic Service radio in 2001 and now I have returned, but this time to work on the TV channel. ABOUT THE NEW CHANNEL This brings back a host of exciting memories of my time in radio, when I joined BBC Arabic as a producer in 1977. That year coincided with two major events: the silver jubilee of HRH Queen Elizabeth II and the launch of “Congratulations to you all for the launch the Egyptian-Israeli peace process. My early years with the radio service witnessed many major events, including of the new Arabic television. I wish it every the - war, the Falklands war, and the first Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Our radio coverage was seen as the success and for it to be a new platform for ultimate service, not for a lack of meaningful competition but because of the credibility which it built over the years. During that time, and later on as a head of the current affairs department, I travelled widely in the Arab reliable, transparent and unbiased news.” world and saw at first hand how the BBC was respected, but also feared, as Syria the station which has no taboos and no political agendas. The six years I spent in – working for MBC group as head of “‘I congratulate everyone at the BBC for their radio and presenter of a hard talk show on their news channel Al the team work and wonderfully perfect out- Arabiya – were an eye-opener as to the development of Arab media, both put which covers all aspects of our lives, and in Dubai and elsewhere in Arab world. With the exception of Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, most of the dozens of channels there are concerned with is so creative. ” entertainment or special interest themes such as religion, property, LEADING THE NEWS AGENDA á BBC Arabic offers cosmetics and quizzes. On 6 April opposition groups in Egypt called viewers a truly All those stations are private sector entities and consequently their pri- for a nationwide general strike in protest international news “The launch is excellent! The news cover- mary concern is the financial benefits, which, in most cases, dictate the against economic conditions. Had it not been agenda age is modern and prompt. The transmis- output. BBC Arabic’s TV channel benefits from its heritage of a sound, for BBC Arabic few people would have been impartial editorial policy. The BBC’s distinctiveness will most obviously sion is extraordinary! I just wish it will start able to know what happened in the industrial be seen during major events affecting Arab–Arab relations or Arab–others transmitting 24hrs soonest! town of Mahala al Kubra. BBC reporter Amr ” relations. The BBC does not observe the limitations of local politics and Abdelhamid followed minute by minute the Libya interests. developments in a day that started calmly and One should not forget that the BBC is still a household name in the ended with violent clashes and bloody “BBC television is a huge addition to the Arab world, one that BBC Arabic television should build on.” encounters. It took a long time before any Arab media world. I was waiting for the Hasan Muawad, presenter, BBC Arabic other channel gave this story the attention it launch and recorded the very first minutes deserved. For BBC Arabic audiences the events were unfolding in front of their eyes on it was aired. I cannot begin to express my “I used to think that happiness is in pursuing it, not in achieving it. TV, radio and on bbcarabic.com. joy, and how long I waited for this moment. But this was not the case with the BBC. Becoming a colleague of BBC Arabic has a lot to offer to audiences A crucial part I wish BBC television continuity and every people whom I consider as ‘teachers’ and I can learn a lot from, is a in the Arab world. News and information on a success, because this region is thirsty for a wonderful feeling. range of platforms, an integrated multimedia of our offer is For me, the BBC is an academy not just a company. Furthermore, ‘ channel with integrity.” concept that aims at satisfying audiences to empower listening to the radio, surfing the website, loving the BBC ever since I wherever they are and whenever they want, as our audiences was very young and dreaming of joining it were of the main reasons well as interactivity and inclusion that brings that I entered the media world when I was 18. audiences closer and guarantees them a place to talk freely “My family and I are loyal listeners to BBC Although it’s only been five months, being with BBC Arabic has in the heart of the process. Its most important and directly radio and are delighted that we can all now given me a lot. Working in a place with a 75-year history of impartiality assets, though, are the creativity of its jour- watch your programmes on screen too.” and freedom of information has improved my skills. nalists, the professional BBC values that to decision I’ve also learned how to work in a team while keeping my personal Iraq audiences have experienced through gener- makers touch. I love working with journalists from different Arab countries ations of Arab journalists broadcasting from because I learn more about their cultures and the way they think. SAM FARAH, London and around the world over the years… PRESENTER, “The BBC offers us comprehensive news Above all, meeting well-known figures – especially radio presenters NUQTAT HEWAR’ and of course Fida Bassil’s silver trainers! I coverage; we are no longer able to be with- who I’ve listened to since I was a child – was a great feeling. out this station. There is no other media in Finally, I can say it’s true that joining the BBC was my dream, but GHOSAM EL SOKKARI is head of becoming a real member of the organisation is now the achievement the world which can provide us with this.” BBC Arabic that I’m looking forward to.” bbcarabic.com/tv Mauritania Dalia Mohammed, presenter, BBC Arabic

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