Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat- BBC World Service announced yesterday the appointment of Salah Negm as News Editor for its Arabic Television Service to be launched in 2007.
Negm, 50, a former BBC program Editor, and current General Manager of the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in Dubai, also held positions in both Al Arabiyah satellite channel and Al Jazeera.
“I’m very excited about re-joining the BBC to help launch and run its Arabic TV service,” says Salah.
“I don’t underestimate the challenge – or the competition in a crowded media market-place. But BBC Arabic will be the only major international news provider in the Middle East offering a service in Arabic across television, radio and online – sharing views and perspectives across the region and the wider world with access to un-rivaled resources for gathering and analysing news which will have wide appeal.”
Jerry Timmins, BBC World Service Head of Africa and the Middle East, said: “Salah Negm is a well known journalist with a long and distinguished track record. He is committed to the values which have won the BBC huge respect in the Middle East.”
Nigel Chapman, Director BBC World Service, added: “Salah is joining a powerful team who will lead this channel to success. We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber and track record who understands both the competitive market in which our Arabic TV service will operate – and the core BBC values which will underpin the new service.
Salah will work to the Launch Director, Gary Rogers, a former Editor with BBC Television News and Channel Five who has launched TV Channels in Asia and the Middle East. Other colleagues will include the Head of the BBC’s Arabic Service, Hosam El Sokkari, responsible for ensuring the new service becomes part of a multi-media offer alongside the existing 24/7 Radio and online services in Arabic. The Project Manager is Elwyn Evans, a former Editor with BBC television news who has launched channels in the UK and abroad.