Arabic rolling news channel Sky News Arabia launches

Sky News launched its new channel, Sky News Arabia on Sunday, which will offer 24-hour rolling Arabic news, supported by an editorial staff of 400 and an "Editorial Advisory Committee" to ensure news remains "balanced, accurate and consistent".

In 2010 Sky News announced plans for a new channel based in Abu Dhabi, which would be a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corp and BSkyB.

Last year the broadcaster confirmed the appointment of former director of television at Reuters Nart Bouran as the new channel's director of news.

The new channel for the Middle East and North Africa is being produced by a team of more than 400 editorial staff, and according to a release, was broadcast to more than 50 million homes in the region when it launched at the weekend after 18 months of preparation.

Sky News also said that the channel is being "supported by an Editorial Advisory Committee – a first for the region – to ensure Sky News Arabia delivers balanced, accurate and consistent news".

The channel, which launched its website in beta in February, has also launched mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Blackberry and Android devices, the release adds.

"Key features include live streaming, news photo galleries, interactive maps as well as the ability to share stories via social media."

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