AUST Network to launch a new in-house TV channel

Dr Abdelali Ziyati, Dean of the Faculty of Information, Mass Communication & PR, said the internal TV channel would be named "Afaq( Horizon)" the same as the student-produced biweekly tabloid publication.

"It is essential to have a means of communication for the students. We already have a regular publication where the students can communicate their innovative ideas to each other and practice their writing skills. Since its inception few years ago, the publication has fruitfully served its purpose," said Dr Ziyati.

"The new TV Channel will be another step toward raising the standard of communication among the students and their teaching staff. In addition, the in-house channel will play an important role in training the students for bright careers in the media and mass communication field. Our key objective is to keep tracking the rapid developments in mass communication. This is the first in-house academic TV Channel in the UAE or possibly in the entire Gulf region." added Dr Ziyati.

He said, "the new academic year of 2005-06 promises many improvements in the quality of student activities. The faculty will soon move to its new premises at the Al Jurf campus. The new premises there are highly equipped to meet the needs of the students."