Mahmoud Omar, Alaraby TV Output Manager
Alaraby TV headquarters' move to Lusail is an important step in terms of the nature and treatment of content, given the growth of Arab audiences.
The move from London to Lusail is also seen as an opportunity to capitalise on regional talents and expertise. Both Alaraby and Alaraby 2 channels started their operations last week in Qatar. “We’re very excited to settle in our new home, we have a fantastic place to work in. We have the very latest in the TV industry, this is the plug and play facility — meaning everything you see, anywhere you see it can turn to a broadcast zone,” Mahmoud Omar, Alaraby Output Manager, said during a media tour yesterday.
Alaraby officials Othman Abufalah, Acting Channel Director; Ali Husseini, Director of Broadcast Operations and Visuals; Elias Khoury, Acting Channel Director – Al Araby 2; and Abbad Yahya, spokesperson, Alaraby TV Launch Project from Lusail, were also present on the occasion.
Omar said they have a full IPTV or Internet Protocol television. “We have the best in terms of camera robotics and editing software, the latest in Avid software for the newsroom. It’s all state-of-the-art and we are very much excited to use it.”
Omar said Alaraby being a news channel will be more emphasised. “We broadcast in newsblocks that are connected to one another. We cover the latest in politics, sociology, business, culture, arts. We’re trying to provide our viewers with the best news service possible.”
The Output Manager also highlighted their editorial agenda. “We have a special interest in human stories and matters that interact with people’s daily lives, in addition to the big stories. Everything that matters to our viewers here in the Middle East and beyond will be dealt with interest.”
Omar also revealed that they will increase their network of correspondents and reporters. Currently they have 70 reporters. When asked if they will have an English programme in the future, he said that Alaraby could think about incorporating the English language, and some of their products may be translated into English. Alaraby TV is a political news channel that follows developments, presents news, and analyses the various dimensions and implications of the events, and prioritises integrity and objectivity. The channel broadcasts interactive news bulletins and covers news round the clock. It also features a range of talk shows, political satirical programmes, documentaries, and investigative films.
Alaraby 2 is a multi-platform entertainment and cultural channel. It offers Arab viewers a bouquet of programmes ranging from music, art, society, comedy, drama, films, and documentaries that appeal to tastes of viewers across the Arab world.
