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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 |
