New Islamic TV Station Launched

 (Nicosia, Cyprus – August 24, 2009) A new satellite TV channel was launched at the start of Ramadan by Sunni clerics to discourage extremism and promote the moderate face of Islam. Azhari TV, which traces its roots to the renowned and authoritative Sunni institution, Al-Azhar University, faced some opposition during the weeks leading up to its launch. Coptic Christians in Egypt complained of religious favoritism since they are not allowed to have their own TV channel.

According to Arab Vision, a Christian TV production company based in the Arab World, this new channel is another effort by moderate Muslims to stem the tide of ‘conversions’ of Arab Muslims to radical brands of Islam, to secularism, or to the Christian faith. “The battle to attract the attention of over 300 million potential Arab TV viewers and impact their minds and hearts is intensifying,” explained Arab Vision’s international director.  “Azhari TV is a significant addition to the Arabic satellite TV platform, but it does not deter us from our goal to produce attractive programs that communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Arab World.” 

Azhari TV promises to be a 24-hour entertainment and education channel aiming to counter the “distortion of Islam into a violent, intolerant force.”  One of its directors told The Media Line news organization that the purpose is to “teach about the real Islam, which is void of terrorism.” He added: “We want to tell people there’s an Islamic discourse that doesn’t discriminate against people on grounds of their color, gender or religion. That’s why Azhari was established.”

The Egyptian government seemed intend on blocking the start of the channel before its launch, stressing that it is opposed to any religious channels originating from within its borders.  Analysts explain this public stance of the government as an attempt to quell claims of religious favoritism, especially by Coptic Christians who have called the launch of Azhari divisive.  It is not yet clear how this government impasse was resolved to give the new station the green light to proceed.

The timing of the launch of Azhari is not surprising.  Television watching figures soar in the evenings during Ramadan, as Muslims break their day-long fast with their families typically huddled around the TV set. According to the station’s website, Azhari will air a daily sermon by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, as well as documentaries about Al-Azhar, conversational programs and cartoon series derived from the Qur’an. Around 75% of its programs will be in the Arabic language, whereas the rest of programs will be in English and French languages. Other languages will be added during 2010.