Media
The BBC plans to launch an Arabic TV news channel, with funds coming partly from closing down ten radio services in eastern Europe.
By closing down those ten language services, the BBC World Service plans to redirect around £30m for use on new projects including the Arabic news channel.
"The changes add up to the biggest transformation of BBC World Service that has been undertaken - and one of the most far-reaching - since the BBC began international broadcasting more than 70 years ago," said Nigel Chapman, director of the BBC World Service.
"Whilst the mix of services has to evolve as the world changes, the overall core aims of the BBC World Service will remain the same: to provide quality news and information that people trust, which stands out for its independence, authority and objectivity; and to be an open forum for global debate.
"Our new services on television and in new media will be judged by those values just as their distinguished predecessors have been.
"BBC World Service is already the most successful, trusted and respected voice in the Middle East with more than 60 years experience of broadcasting in the Arabic language on radio, and more recently and successfully, online.
"The BBC Arabic Television Service will build on this legacy by offering trusted and accurate news with an international agenda.
"It would mean the BBC will be the only major broadcaster who will provide a tri-media service in Arabic to the Middle East – using TV, radio and online for sharing views and perspectives across the region and the wider world.
"Our research suggests there is strong demand for an Arabic Television service from the BBC in the Middle East."
Chapman explained that the decision to close the European services was taken because "the countries to which these languages are broadcast are members of the EU, or are likely to join soon," adding that the BBC World Service "has contributed to the building of freedoms now enjoyed by their citizens."
The BBC's Board of Governors and the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, have agreed to the plans.
By closing down those ten language services, the BBC World Service plans to redirect around £30m for use on new projects including the Arabic news channel.
"The changes add up to the biggest transformation of BBC World Service that has been undertaken - and one of the most far-reaching - since the BBC began international broadcasting more than 70 years ago," said Nigel Chapman, director of the BBC World Service.
"Whilst the mix of services has to evolve as the world changes, the overall core aims of the BBC World Service will remain the same: to provide quality news and information that people trust, which stands out for its independence, authority and objectivity; and to be an open forum for global debate.
"Our new services on television and in new media will be judged by those values just as their distinguished predecessors have been.
"BBC World Service is already the most successful, trusted and respected voice in the Middle East with more than 60 years experience of broadcasting in the Arabic language on radio, and more recently and successfully, online.
"The BBC Arabic Television Service will build on this legacy by offering trusted and accurate news with an international agenda.
"It would mean the BBC will be the only major broadcaster who will provide a tri-media service in Arabic to the Middle East – using TV, radio and online for sharing views and perspectives across the region and the wider world.
"Our research suggests there is strong demand for an Arabic Television service from the BBC in the Middle East."
Chapman explained that the decision to close the European services was taken because "the countries to which these languages are broadcast are members of the EU, or are likely to join soon," adding that the BBC World Service "has contributed to the building of freedoms now enjoyed by their citizens."
The BBC's Board of Governors and the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, have agreed to the plans.
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