News release of the press briefing on the opening of CCTV Arabic International Channel

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-08-03 11:30

China Central Television owns four international channels which present programs in Chinese, English, Spanish and French. CCTV will officially launch its Arabic International Channel on July, 25th. The new 24-hour Arabic Channel is a solid step in terms of strengthening China's international impact in the medium of television. It is also a crucial strategic measure to make CCTV multilingual...and widen its coverage.

The new Arabic Channel will reach the Middle East and North Africa via signals on Arabsat and Nilesat. It will also reach the Asia-Pacific region by Chinasat 6B. Nearly 300-million people in 22 Arab countries will be able to watch programs from China's Arabic Channel with their satellite dish.

CCTV's Arabic Channel's main audience will be people in Arab countries and regions. The channel will be news-focused and complemented by cultural, service and entertainment programs. The Channel will produce 9 programs which fall into 4 categories. These categories are news, feature stories, entertainment and education. Programs will include Dialogue, Talking About China, Technology Outlook and documentaries. Programs will run by units every four hours. All the programs will be rebroadcast six times every day except for news programs, which will be regularly updated. The Arabic Channel will gradually increase the number of programs as the channel develops.

China and Arab countries all have long histories and splendid civilizations and their friendship dates back to ancient times. As their financial cooperation increases, the "China Craze" in many Arab countries is also increasing. The new Arabic Channel will serve as an important channel to strengthen communication and understanding between China and Arab countries. It will also be a bridge for cooperation in politics, the economy, trade, culture and technology. The Arabic Channel will also become an important new medium for Arab people to learn more about China.