Christian satellite television ministry interacts with kids online

International (SAT7/MNN) ―SAT-7 began 2012 with a project already rolling.

In mid-December, they launched a new Web site supporting its widely popular Arabic-language children's channel, SAT-7 KIDS, broadcasting via satellite throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The audience of SAT-7 KIDS is roughly children aged 4-13 years old, and most of these kids are savvy enough to want more interaction with their favorite programs and characters.  

As a result, www.sat7kids.com became an open door for the kids to learn more about the Christian faith. The new Web site features bright colors and child-friendly graphics, speaking images, sound-backed icons, and two significant innovations:  

• A "parents page" where parents can find answers to questions about programming and for help in understanding their family responsibilities, and

• Arabic- or English-access multiplying the number of viewers the Web site may serve.

SAT-7 KIDS, "where your children are safe," airs original dramas, talk shows, educational material, cartoons, music programs, live programs, game shows and other programs produced especially for young viewers. The ministry team works to develop a spirit of love, dialogue, and giving that characterizes a Christian worldview, as well as respect for life and liberty, human rights for all, non-violence and peace.

Is it worth it? Definitely. A recent independent media survey indicated far more adult viewers are watching SAT-7 KIDS than was earlier believed. The data reveals an estimated audience of 9 million.

That places SAT-7 KIDS as a unique channel in the Arabic television marketplace -- and the only Christian channel focused on the 100 million children and youth under 16 years of age now living in the Arab world.  The television channel is also experiencing a rapid increase of views on its YouTube® channel--SAT7KIDS.

SAT-7 KIDS is one of five channels produced and operated by SAT-7, which broadcasts throughout 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as some 50 countries in Europe. SAT-7 also maintains a support office in the United States.

For SAT-7 KIDS satellite access:

• Nilesat/AB4 at 7 degrees West, Txp 8, 11,355 GHz, Vertical
• Hot Bird 6 Satellite, 13 East. Frequency 11.642 GHz Horizontal(H) 27.500 Symbols/Sec. FEC ¾

SAT-7 breaks ground for new studio in Lebanon

Lebanon (SAT7/MNN) ― For the first time in 15 years, SAT-7 program production work in Lebanon will be housed under one roof.

The team broke ground nine days ago at the site of a new studio complex--a significant step in a growth direction for the Christian satellite television outreach to the Middle East and North Africa. Lebanon, with its creative work force and religious freedom, has always been an important production center for SAT-7.

Aside from boosting morale, the single facility will increase the team's operational efficiency, as well reduce the wear and tear on production equipment that, up until now, has been transported between multiple locations each week.

The first phase of the project is expected to take two years to complete and will cost just over two million dollars (USD). Initial funds have been provided by a generous donor, to support both the purchase of the land (about 6,000 sq. meters/60,000 sq. feet) and the initial construction work. This first phase will include 4 different studio areas and much-needed meeting and administrative space.

Marking the occasion, the SAT-7's International Board Chair, Rev Dr Habib Badr, shared the ministry's vision and mission statements, which are now even more relevant and vital than when SAT-7 was founded in 1995, because of the current changes in the region.

SAT-7 CEO Terence Ascott gave a brief overview of the history of SAT-7 and the growth of its work in Lebanon, stressing that even though we will see many changes in the way television is consumed in the future, there will always be a need for quality Christian programming that is truthful, relevant and creative. It was his prayer that this new facility would provide a home for such productions for many years to come.

Samples of recent music and informational videos were shown, which both showed the high standard of SAT-7's programming output and its relevance to the great challenges faced by many Christians in these days of seismic change across the Arab World.

Attending the ceremony were: The Minister of Information, His Excellency Walid Daouk, representing General M. Suleiman, The President of the Lebanese Republic; Colonel George Salameh, representing the Minister of Interior; and Rev. Dr. S. Sahiouni, president of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon. In addition, many of Lebanon's Christian denominations and ministries were represented. The Minister of Information enthusiastically joined SAT-7 and Church leaders in the final act of placing cement for the memorial stone to mark this historic day.

SAT-7 has 3 different 24/7 Arabic satellite channels: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PLUS and the region's only Christian channel for viewers under 15 years old, SAT-7 KIDS