The BBC has started recruiting senior editorial staff for its new Arabic-language news channel.

"We're aiming to be fast, modern in style and outlook; strong on analysis with a wide international perspective," said Salah Negm, the channel's news editor. "It will maintain the BBC values of accuracy, editorial independence, impartiality, while balancing a wide diversity of views. BBC Arabic Television will have broad appeal - free from commercial, political and religious affiliations or pressures. We are now looking for the key senior staff to help us turn this vision into an exciting reality."

The channel is scheduled to launch next autumn, and will initially broadcast 12 hours a day.