Satellite Channel to Challenge 'Islamic Extremism'

A new free-to-air satellite television channel based in Egypt will promote moderate Islam and challenge notions of extremism when it launches in August, according  to its founders, which include Muslim clerics associated with Egypt’s Al-Azhar University.

Sheikh Khaled el-Guindy, a member of Egypt's Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and a driving force behind the "Azhari" channel, told the Associated Press the channel would leverage the talents of Al-Azhar graduates to combat incorrect interpretations of the religion.

"Azhari will promote the idea that Islam is a religion of moderation free from extremism," he said.

"Several satellite channels right now promote a strict interpretation of Islam and issue incorrect religious opinions that fill young people with extremist ideas.

New channel for moderate Islam to be launched

Al-Azhar announces launch of new satellite channel to challenge extremist distortions of Islam.

Middle East Online

By Paul Schemm - CAIRO

Azhari is set to be launched in mid-August A group of Muslim clerics connected with Egypt's prestigious Al-Azhar University have announced the creation of a new satellite channel to propagate moderate Islam and challenge what it describes as extremist distortions of the religion. The announcement comes just ahead of President Barack Obama's address Thursday to the Muslim world from Cairo in a speech co-sponsored by Al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam's premier educational institution. Sheik Khaled el-Guindy, a member of Egypt's Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and a driving force behind the "Azhari" channel, said the idea is to use the knowledge and skills of Al-Azhar graduates to combat ignorant interpretations of the religion. "Azhari will promote the idea that Islam is a religion of moderation free from extremism," he told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "Several satellite channels right now promote a strict interpretation of Islam and issue incorrect religious opinions that fill young people with extremist ideas." There are dozens of Islamic satellite channels in the Middle East, with many receiving funding from the conservative oil-rich Gulf and propagating a very conservative form of the religion. "Audiences need people that deal in reality and respect reality and respect changes in the world. These channels don't present these things. Some of these channels are just ignorant of reality," said el-Guindy, explaining that graduates of al-Azhar university are well grounded in subjects outside of religion as well. Azhari is set to be launched in mid-August, at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and will present a mix of entertainment and educational programing, including children's cartoons, soap operas and call-in shows. The channel will initially be broadcast in English and Arabic, with plans to expand it to Turkish and Hindi, and will be viewable from Europe to Southeast Asia. "The idea is to really show moderate Islam, not this extreme one that is being utilized by others," said Hassan Tatanaki, a Libyan businessman who helped provide the channel's $2.7 million in initial funding. "Our aim is to be able to reach not only the Arab Muslims, but the non-Arab Muslims, mainly in the Far East, the Near East, places like the US and Europe."

Libya Awalan TV joins CNN’s global affiliate network

CNN International has announced that Libya Awalan TV (which translates as ‘Libya First’) is to join its global network of affiliates. The partnership is the first with a private network in Libya and adds to CNN’s global presence, as well as its strength in North Africa.

Libya Awalan TV was founded in March 2011, shortly after the conflict in Libya began, and made its inaugural broadcast a few weeks later on 1 April. It employs more than 200 people and has control rooms in Tripoli and Benghazi, as well as in Cairo. During the Libya conflict, Awalan’s reporters brought detailed reports from across the country, and the station continues to report on Libya’s ongoing recovery in five daily news bulletins and across breaking news.

Deborah Rayner, VP and managing editor at CNN International, said: “Libya Awalan’s bravery and commitment to independent journalism during the conflict in Libya was an example to any news network, and their ongoing commitment to serious reporting is there for all to see. They will be valuable partners to CNN International and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to our affiliate family.”
Hassan Tatanaki, founder and chairman of Libya Awalan TV, added: “CNN is the original 24-hour news channel and a network that continues to set the standard in global news. It has a long-standing presence in and passion for our region, so to become part of its affiliate network is a proud moment for us as a young channel. We hope we can make a strong contribution to CNN’s reporting in a new and free Libya and beyond.”

Libya Awalan has recently covered a range of stories in Libya, from tribal clashes in the deserts of Kufra, to illegal immigration, student demonstrations in Benghazi, and the children returning to school in Zawiya. It regularly interviews Transitional National Council ministers and officials from the transitional government. Its programming includes news, political, social, and health reports, as well as sports coverage.