Alhurra commemorates its 10th anniversary
Springfield, Va. — Feb. 14th marks 10 years of Alhurra Television broadcasting accurate and objective news and information to 22 countries in the Middle East. The 24/7 Arabic-language television network provides news and analysis about the region and the United States to more than 20 million viewers each week.
In addition to news, the network hosts a number of discussion programs that examine political and social issues of interest to the audience in the Middle East, airing viewpoints not often discussed freely in the region. Through correspondents at the State Department, White House, Congress and the Pentagon, Alhurra illuminates U.S. policies and domestic debates on those policies for Middle Eastern audiences. Guests from American think tanks and interviews with U.S. officials provide a comprehensive view of U.S. foreign policy as well as a better understanding of the American people.
Alhurra also provides information on a variety of subjects, including health, entertainment news, sports, science and technology; as well as award-winning acquired documentaries.
In a letter to commemorate Alhurra’s 10th anniversary, Sec. John Kerry congratulated the network noting Alhurra’s commitment to reporting on issues such as human rights and freedom of expression. He went on to thank Alhurra’s staff for their dedication to the network’s important mission.
“There have been remarkable changes in the Middle East since 2004 and Alhurra Television was there to serve as a witness for its audience. Viewers have a place to turn for unbiased coverage of events as they unfolded; as well as discussion programs providing analysis from a variety of voices so the audience can make informed decisions,” stated MBN President Brian Conniff. MBN manages and operates Alhurra.
In its 10 years, Alhurra has been recognized by the Association for International Broadcasters, New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards, CINE Golden Eagle Award, Promax, Bass Award, Cairo Human Rights Film Festival, Chicago Film Festival among others, for its reporting and on-air content.
Alhurra is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency. The BBG serves oversight and as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.