Zee Arabiyya the first Asian multicultural TV in the region was launched Wednesday by ZEE Network, India's largest vertically integrated media and entertainment group.
It is worth noting that the channel's commitment to the region will be phased in investments of over Dh105 million (close to US$30 million) within the region.
The channel, the first of Zee's customised bouquets for the Arab region, will be telecast across 3 satellites, through Nilesat, Arabsat and NSS, in a free-to-air format from November 9 onwards. It is also available on the basic packages of E-Vision and Pehla platform.
Speaking at a press conference, Yogesh Radhakrishnan, MD & CEO Real Media said "The launch of Zee Arabiya is in line with our ambitious plan of positioning Zee Network as a leading quality and family entertainment television network in the Middle East. We have served this region with quality entertainment for over eight years now and Zee Arabiya will continue this trend with more region focused programmes. We are also proud to be the first Asian network to launch a free to air multi-language channel in this region."
"Arabic music and lifestyle has always been popular with Asian and Western audiences, but they did not have an opportunity to see the entertainment mix that this region has to offer. We are confident that Zee Arabiya will provide this opportunity to the greater world, Arabic music will now be available to Asian audiences worldwide thereby popularizing the already popular Arabic music across boundaries and regions. Zee Arabiya will also bring the best of Asian and Western music to the Middle East region," added Yogesh.
"Zee Arabiya is expected to totally revolutionise the broadcasting industry in the region. The channel, uplinked through Samacom in Dubai will help Zee Arabiya reach nearly 55 million households across the region with the digital footprint covering the entire Middle East, North Africa, certain parts of lower Europe and Pakistan," said Ron Kapadia, Chief Operating Officer.
