Launch of Saudi news channel sparks controversy among Iraqis
The announcement by Saudi media group MBC that it will launch a new TV channel — MBC Iraq — aimed at the Iraqi public has been met with a number of swift and angry responses, sparking defense of the station.
Saudi media group MBC announced in early February that it will launch a new TV channel — MBC Iraq — aimed at Iraqi viewers. Soon after the announcement, a number of angry responses emerged in the Iraqi media and among political figures, which led MBC to defend its plan.
The MBC group generally produces entertainment shows and social content, which will also be aired on MBC Iraq that is scheduled to launch on the evening of Feb. 17.
MBC’s television operations are funded by Saudi businessmen, many of whom are close to the Saudi royal family.
According to the programming schedule released by MBC to the media, the majority of content aimed at Iraqi viewers will be entertainment-based. The group has not yet announced any programs that are political in nature.
