The BBC’s Arabic language channel is set to start transmitting from March 11th.

The news channel will be made available to Middle East viewers over Arabsat, Nilesat and Eutelsat. The initial plan is roll out 12 hour service, slowly increasing to a full 24 hour broadcast, 7 days a week. There are currently upwards of 200 correspondents poised and ready to go, based in over 70 bureaus across the globe.

The head of BBC Arabic, Hosam el Sokkari, recognised the experience of the BBC in the area. He spoke of the fact that as the BBC World Service holds an international perspective it is well placed to take the views of Arab audiences to an international audience.

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