BBC to expand its broadcasts to Arabic

BBC appoints Arabic TV news editor
(From the Arab American News, Dearborn, MI)

BBC World Service has appointed a News Editor for its Arabic Television Service to be launched in 2007. Salah Negm, 50, a former BBC programme Editor, is currently General Manager with the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in Dubai. His wide editorial and management experience in the region also includes working as Director of News after the launch of the Al Arabiyah satellite channel and roles with the satellite broadcaster, Al Jazeera.

"I'm very excited about re-joining the BBC to help launch and run its Arabic TV service," says Salah. "It's the best job in broadcasting for me - a chance to use my experience as a journalist to offer a television audience throughout the Middle East, a news and information service in Arabic informed by the BBC values of accuracy, independence and impartiality.

"I don't underestimate the challenge - or the competition in a crowded media market-place. But BBC Arabic will be the only major international news provider in the Middle East offering a service in Arabic across television, radio and online - sharing views and perspectives across the region and the wider world with access to unrivalled resources for gathering and analysing news which will have wide appeal."

Jerry Timmins, BBC World Service Head of Africa and the Middle East, said: "Salah Negm is a well known journalist with a long and distinguished track record. He is committed to the values which have won the BBC huge respect in the Middle East."

Nigel Chapman, Director BBC World Service, added: "Salah is joining a powerful team who will lead this channel to success. We are fortunate to have someone of his calibre and track record who understands both the competitive market in which our Arabic TV service will operate - and the core BBC values which will underpin the new service.

Salah will work to the Launch Director, Gary Rogers, a former Editor with BBC Television News and Channel Five, who has launched TV channels in Asia and the Middle East. Other colleagues will include the Head of the BBC's Arabic Service, Hosam El Sokkari, responsible for ensuring the new service becomes part of a multi-media offer alongside the existing 24/7 radio and online services in Arabic. The Project Manager is Elwyn Evans, a former Editor with BBC television news who has launched channels in the UK and abroad.

END