DIRECTV Launches New Arabic-Language Programming Package

[Darkman]

DIRECTV Launches New Arabic-Language Programming Package
Source: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix....824&highlight=

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV continues to enhance its international programming platform, WorldDirect(TM), with the addition of a new Arabic-language programming package, ArabicDirect(TM). The ArabicDirect package combines five of the leading Arabic-language channels from the Middle East - Rotana Cinema, Rotana Zaman, Rotana Moossika, Orbit Al-Yawm and The Orbit Arabic Series Channel (Seen).

The ArabicDirect package is currently available nationwide on the WorldDirect programming platform for $25.99 per month.

"With more than 800,000 Arab Americans living in the United States, there is an enormous appetite for programming that is relevant to the Arab culture," said Aaron McNally, vice president International, DIRECTV, Inc. "DIRECTV is proud to offer its subscribers exclusive premieres of the biggest Arabic-language movies, digitally restored classic films, the hottest music acts, and the best comedies and historical dramas available from the Middle East."

The ArabicDirect programming package includes:

Rotana Cinema Channel - DIRECTV Channel 2102

The Rotana Cinema Channel is the leading movie service in the Middle East. It draws from the largest and richest library of Arabic-language films in the world, as well as cinema news and entertainment programs, including "The Hala Show," hosted by Dr. Hala Sarhan.

Rotana Zaman Channel - DIRECTV Channel 2103

The Rotana Zaman Channel delivers state-of-the-art digitally restored classic Arabic movies to millions of viewers around the world. Enjoy the legendary stars and singers - Om Kalthoum, Halim and Fairouz, as well as the popular program "Kashf el Mastour."

Rotana Moossika Channel - DIRECTV Channel 2104

The Rotana Moossika Channel is an Arabic variety/entertainment channel that is dedicated to music videos, programs, concerts and festivals. Rotana Moossika has compiled the largest Arabic music library in the world, and exclusively features some of the top acts from the Arab world, including Amr Diab, Nagwa Karam, George Wassouf, Alissa and Kazem.

Orbit Arabic Series Channel (Seen) - DIRECTV Channel 2105

The Orbit Arabic Series Channel (Seen) is the first 24-hour Arabic thematic channel of its kind in the region, featuring the best Arabic TV series from the Middle East. The Series Channel delivers the widest variety of TV productions from drama to comedy and from melodrama to historical biography. Orbit Seen features outstanding dramas like Kkaled Bin Alwaleed and Sikkat Alhilali.

Orbit Al-Yawm - DIRECTV Channel 2106

Orbit Al-Yawm is a contemporary Arabic entertainment and variety channel, delivering more than 35 hours of live Orbit productions per week. Al-Yawm offers the smartest fashion tips, intimate beauty care advice, the best recipes, and light-hearted comedy shows. Orbit Al-Yawm top programs include Oyoun Beirut and Al-Qahira Al-Yawm.

WorldDirect customers must first subscribe to DIRECTV BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above). For more information on how to receive ArabicDirect, customers should call (800) 378-6484.

The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 45 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.

DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.

[Sadoun]

It will be a tough sell without Al-Jazeera Arabic News Network & MBC

[pictureon]

It will be a tough sell without Al-Jazeera Arabic News Network & MBC

Why not have them both?

[tomFtWorth]

Does anyone have this package? I'm using the dishnetwork arabic elite package right now, but was thinking about changing to this because of the Rotana channels available. Would miss AlJazeera, but could get the english version using a FTA satelite. What do you think?

[pictureon]

Does anyone have this package? I'm using the dishnetwork arabic elite package right now, but was thinking about changing to this because of the Rotana channels available. Would miss AlJazeera, but could get the english version using a FTA satelite. What do you think?

They are not the same. aljazeera in English is way different than the one in arabic. Even different point of view