United States Agency for Global Media

Alhurra’s, Radio Sawa’s breaking news coverage of the Brussels bombings

March 24, 2016

As soon as the first reports came out about a bombing in Brussels, Alhurra switched to breaking news coverage to follow the story. The television network continued its live coverage for more than six hours uninterrupted. Alhurra’s breaking news coverage included interviews with Alhurra’s correspondent in Brussels, eyewitnesses, local Muslim leaders and security analysts. The network also broadcast live remarks made by the Belgian Minister of Interior, the Belgian Attorney General, President Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French President Francois Hollande.

As information about the bombing and those that perpetrated it came out, Alhurra’s coverage expanded to include reaction and impact from around the world.  The network’s newscasts included statements made by members of Congress, as well as U.S. citizens who expressed sympathy with the people of Brussels.  Alhurra’s popular show Al Youm discussed how Muslim leaders in the U.S. are countering ISIL’s violent messages. The program also interviewed  security experts on what the Brussels attack tells us about ISIL and its resources. Al Youm also examined the impact the bombings will have on the global economy. The program’s social media segment highlighted the ‘JeSuisBruxelles’ trending online as people around the globe show solidarity with Brussels through social media.

The network’s discussion programs brought together security and political experts to discuss why ISIL chose to target Brussels and what can be done to stop the terrorist group from striking again.

Alhurra.com posted updates as news came in about the Brussels bombings, as well as reaction from the U.S. and around the world as governments condemned the terrorist attacks. The all-news website posted a photo blog of the images surrounding the deadly blasts.

Radio Sawa’s coverage included an interview with Belgium security officials, Alhurra’s correspondent in Brussels and analysts about what measures can be taken to prevent this from happening again. Several of the guests noted that moderate Islamic clerics need to raise awareness about tolerance and justice.  The network reported on calls from world leaders to unify against ISIL. Sawa Magazine interviewed an eyewitness to the attack.

Alhurra’s and Radio Sawa’s social media properties hosted three Facebook Lives to update online viewers on developments as the day went on.  In each post, MBN digital reporters updated audiences on the latest news, as well as share some of the comments in short live video posts. Each of the Facebook Live posts received about 20,000 views and 1,000 comments, shares and Likes.

MBN’s Raise Your Voice website irfasaawtak.com reported on the Brussels attacks. The website also reported on reaction from Muslim institutions to the bombings, which killed more than 30 people.