The British Broadcasting Company will launch its new Arabic language news and information channel Tuesday, March 11 at 12.30 P.M. BBC World Service Director Nigel Chapman said that the BBC will use its past experience to bring impartial and accurate news to the Middle East. “BBC Arabic is renowned for broadcasting impartial and accurate news and information which is strong on analysis and expertise. This enhanced multimedia service meets the needs of an audience with a very strong appetite for news and debate. We will be contemporary in style; and independent and incisive in our journalism,” Chapman said. Chapman also said “We are encouraged that independent research consistently shows an appetite for a BBC Arabic television channel. “The main reason people give is quite simple – it is because they believe the BBC will provide an independent news service they could trust.” Head of BBC Arabic, Hosam El Sokkari said that the BBC already has a strong history of reporting on the conflicts and politics of the region but it wants to do more. “BBC Arabic is already renowned for reporting more than just conflict and politics. BBC Arabic aims to continue to broaden the news agenda for audiences in the region. It will reflect the breadth of the Arab audience's interests,” El Sokkari said. __
