Al-Alam taken off air

05-11-2009


A controversial Iranian-based but Arabic language TV channel has been removed from Arabsat and Nilesat.

Al-Alam continues to broadcast from Eutelsat’s Hotbird 8 at 13 deg E, Telstar 12 (at 15 deg W), Galaxy 25 (97 deg W) and AsiaSat 2 (at 100.5 deg East), according to Iran’s Press TV website.


Al-Alam, in a statement, said both the Arab satellite broadcasters had breached their contracts with Al-Alam. Reports out of Cairo rebut that claim, saying that the channel had breached its contractual undertakings as regards balance and moderation in its broadcasting.


Reports suggest that the decision reflects concerns that rival Islamic factions, mainly supporting Shi’ite beliefs are concerning certain Arab nations with (mostly) Sunni believers.