Al Jazeera Children's Channel goes on air

In celebrating the official inauguration, a ceremony will be held at the Channel's headquarters located in the Education City in Doha. A number of national and international officials and celebrities will be present. Twenty-Two Arab children are invited from around the Arab World to represent their countries at this special occasion.

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah initiated the idea of this joint project between Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Al Jazeera Satellite Group. The content and programmes provided by the channel has been carefully designed and developed for the Arab child. JCC chose education and entertainment to promote positive values, broadness of mind and respect. The project was accomplished in cooperation with the well-known French group 'Lagardère Images International'.

Al Jazeera Children's Channel broadcasts up to six fresh hours of innovative children's programmes everyday. The Channel produces over 40 per cent of the programmes internally, in the channel's studios as well as with external production companies whom the Channel contracts in other countries (one of the highest ratio of own-produced content of any children's channel worldwide). JCC, a free-to-air channel, broadcasts throughout the Arab World via Arabsat and Nilesat satellites, and throughout Europe via Hot Bird satellite.

Through the concept of 'Edutainment', JCC opens up avenues for the Arab Children to learn about different environments and cultures. It also helps them develop positive self-esteem, respect their traditions and values, appreciate people around them and develop a passion for learning.

In commemorating this announcement, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Al Jazeera Group, said: 'In view of the existing state of television, where children are exposed to violent and inappropriate material on a daily basis, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah made a momentous decision to establish Al Jazeera Children's Channel, a bright and dynamic alternative to the current trends in television broadcasting.'

Mr. Mahmoud Bouneb, Executive General Manager of Al Jazeera Children's Channel, believes that television is the most effective medium for disseminating edutainment. He states: 'We have identified the need for a Children's Edutainment Channel in the Arab World. Al Jazeera Children's Channel provides Arab youngsters and their families around the globe, with a reliable unbiased source of entertainment, as well as enhances their knowledge and skills.'