Iraqis zap through a barrage of new channels A mere three years ago any Iraqi caught with a satellite dish tucked away on a balcony or rooftop would have a faced a 500,000 dinar ($400) fine and six months behind bars. read more>>
It is probably only a matter of time before high definition technology transforms the broadcasting industry in the Arab World and viewers are able to enjoy an image ten times sharper than the one currently on their screens.
Industry experts are predicting as many as 500 channels in the Arab World by the end of 2008. “Wow!” This certainly must mean that we will have more choices of quality programming on the tube, right?
Digital Yemen Sana’a University is home to Yemen’s largest communication program, boasting up to 150 students with majors in broadcasting, journalism and public relations. read more>>
Salah Moussalli projects an outer sense of calm although his mind is racing with thoughts about his latest MBC show staring famed TV personality Razan.
Al Jazeera to launch Urdu channel Al Jazeera announced in late January that it would begin test broadcasting an Urdu-language channel in a bid to tap into the world’s estimated 80 million Urdu speakers. read more>>
Reality TV comes to Mecca Television personality and Islamic preacher Amr Khaled has launched what is believed to be the region’s first religious reality-TV program during January’s Hajj season.
Iran orders ‘relaxing’ music for TV and radio Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has ordered Iran’s national media network to replace Western and “decadent” music with “relaxing themes and memorable music from the revolution.” read more>>
Egyptian TV soaps fail to stay afloat During a recent taping of her program, Rotana talk-show host Hala Serhal tried in vain to diffuse a raucous debate among her guests, all well-known Egyptian and Syrian actors, directors, producers and scriptwriters. read more>>
