Ark
TV is the rescue ship that will carry the light into every household and
correct the common misconceptions about Islam.
Ark
television is a new channel specialising in Islamic broadcasting in English
with a planned starting date some time next year. Dedicated production
houses in London and Dubai aim to deliver the voice of Islam from authentic
sources and in an innovative way to both Muslims and Non-Muslims.
Recognising the power of television in our modern life, Ark TV will be
carried via satellite link to reach the ‘global community’ and will
include news, current affairs, debates, documentaries, women’s programmes,
children’s programmes and much more.
We
spoke with the channel’s programme director Mr.
Salauddin Ali and he gave us the full story…
Why
an Islamic Channel?
The
advent of television brought about a major change in the world. People no
longer had to spend a few hours a month to go to the cinemas to be
entertained, TV made it possible for round the clock viewing with the choice
of hundreds of channels.
Television
hit the shores of the Muslim lands in the 1960’s, and a mere few years of
exposure resulted in the removal of many basic Islamic values. However, the
major influence came when satellite TV was introduced in the early 1980’s.
Programmes were now transcending borders, proving highly effective in
breaking down the moral fabric of Muslim societies.
The
result can now be clearly seen; indeed, a 20-year cultural indoctrination
has changed an entire generation. Television is now the most powerful tool
in shaping the habits and cultures of nations. The pioneers of this vehicle
continuously seek ways to enhance this medium in order to promote the
western lifestyle and culture as being the most desirable, successful and
fulfilling way of life. The prime goal is always to create aspirations in
the global audience of the material and secular values, as it reaches not
only the richest but also the poorest in society.
Recognising
the effects of this powerful tool and the existence of a niche in global
media, Ark Television aims to establish itself as a dedicated Islamic TV
channel. It intends to attract both Muslim and non-Muslim viewers by
broadcasting programmes in the English language. Ark Television aims to
provide safe, family oriented television viewing to bring an Islamic
atmosphere to every home.
What
are the Channel’s Objectives & Ethos?
Ark
Television will endeavour to develop Islamic societies through the
dissemination of Islamic values. It will seek to focus the Ummah upon all
aspects of Islam, economically and socially as well as spiritually. The
direction and development of Muslims shall be encouraged by presenting
programmes in a lively and entertaining manner.
By
advancing unbiased and accurate images, the channel will work to dispel
common myths about Islam and Muslims. In particular, the honoured status of
Women in Islam will be actively emphasised and promoted to counter the
negative and imbalanced views portrayed by much of the contemporary secular
media. Ark Television will strive to unify the Ummah by raising awareness of
their glorious past and, in tandem, will relay Islamic solutions to the
problems of modern society.
Do
you target a specific audience?
Our
primary target audience are Muslims from the English-speaking world in
particular and the English speaking audience in general. We envisage that
our channel and programs will be so generic, captivating and Islamically
entertaining that non-Muslims too will find it an amazing channel to watch.
How
will you face the contradictions between the overseas and the domestic
Agenda among the Muslim Communities in Britain?
We
shall be broadcasting programmes for the general market and not for any
specific targeted region. As Muslims we need to come together. Islam can do
that for us and this channel is for that purpose.
Islamic
television channels are long over due. When we look at the number of Muslims
and the number of Islamic countries, we feel now is the time for this, and
other similar channels, to set up and broadcast. We have many positive and
important matters to contribute to the global society and many wrongs to
address in the prophetic way with wisdom.
How
will you address children, women and youth with real, yet attractive
programs?
We
intend to air programs in a way that all can benefit. Meaningful but
entertaining cartoons, studio shows, quizzes and games for the children and
youth. As for the women’s programs, all the primary issues which women
face e.g. how to build an Islamic household, educating children, community
problems and many other programs which include Islamic dress, cookery and
household décor etc.
Who
is the team behind the show?
The
management team have wide-ranging managerial expertise and possess the
experience, willingness and determination to deliver in challenging
environments. Most of the members have worked for leading global companies
and consultancies and have a thorough understanding of business processes as
well as the expertise required for profitable/non-profitable operations.
The
overall organisational structure has been planned on the basis of
operational and resource requirements. The channel will have independent
functions including Finance and Administration, Technical and Operations
Support, Sales/Marketing, News/Current Affairs and Programming. Directors
with substantial media experience will lead the core functions.
How
can one help?
There
are various ways for interested people to take part in this project, all can
be found on our web site allocated at www.arktv.com
