The new technology will be accompanied by renewed editorial content across TV and digital platforms including the launch of a dedicated documentary unit to support more investigative reporting.
Sky News Arabia has announced its biggest enhancements since the 2012 launch of the channel with a new programming line-up, new presenters, state-of-the-art broadcast technology, and a digital-first approach to content creation as well as a refreshed schedule going live seven days a week are among the exciting enhancements. The announcements follow the arrival of CEO Angelos Frangopoulos, who took charge November 2018 and CTO, David Clark, who assumed office March 2019.
Sky News Arabia will have new virtual news studios using the latest in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. Three new shows will be launched using the new state-of-the-art technologies including a daily sport show live from the AR set.
The new technology will be accompanied by renewed editorial content across TV and digital platforms including live coverage from daybreak until the early hours of the morning, seven days a week, and programmes that cover current events and analysis, business, technology, lifestyle and sports.
A new dedicated documentary unit will also be launched to offer viewers more investigative and informative stories from around the region.
Sky News Arabias Head of News, Hani Abuayyash, hailed the announcement as a fantastic moment in the history of the channel and its biggest-ever enhancement, leading the way for high quality storytelling and news broadcasting in an increasingly digital world.
Abuayyash said: We have raised the game for news broadcasters in the region, with new ways of showcasing our content and stories that ensure we continue to serve our audiences in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as having a global outlook.
The new programming includes News Radar at 6pm. Presented by Fadila Soussi, the show will feature analysis and discussion of the latest world news with two guests who have different points of view, while an enhanced version of Timeline at midnight will see new host Carolina Nassar present a review of the days news using the latest VR technologies.
The Newsroom show will now run seven days a week at 10pm with Mohannad Al Khatib hosting guests to discuss the latest hot topics and news analysis.
A brand-new format for the Morning Show will also be introduced. Presented by Nancy Tabet and Hani Ziade it will cover topics such as culture, music, food and fashion alongside current affairs, business and sports news. Similarly, an enhanced format for the Evening Show will run every weekday at 8pm. Presented by Faisal Huraiz and Majed Al Faresi it will provide viewers with the latest news and in-depth coverage from across the Gulf region.
Sky News Arabias sports programme Malaeb will be broadcast from an AR studio daily at 1.15am, using the latest in graphics technology to bring viewers up close to all the action.
Additionally, a new international news segment will be broadcast at 2am to appeal to Arab speakers in North African countries and Western time zones. An in-depth business bulletin presented by Editor-in-Chief of Business, Lubna Bouza, will also be broadcast throughout the day three times a week.
Sky News Arabia is also launching made-for digital programming designed to appeal to a new generation across the region. These programmes have been specifically designed for digital channels and will feature youth news, humanitarian stories, travel, current affairs and a look back at some of the most significant historical events.
To support this evolution, a robust brand campaign the news…and all the news will go live across the region.
