Deutsche Welle launching Arabic channel on Astra

German international channel provider Deutsche Welle is to make its Arabic-language service available via the Astra satellite, with the aim of reaching refugees from the conflict in the Middle East.

The service will be available via Astra from December 15 on Astra 1M. The service, DW Arabia, offers 24-hour news and information about Germany in Arabic. It was previously available in Germany via an internet live stream.

Satellite operator SES has pledged to transmit the service at no cost for 12 months.

“Thanks to SES, we are in the position to make available a high-value TV-program for refugees and all interested parties from the Arab region. It is an important goal of ours to convey European values and to provide access to reliable information from a German perspective, initially in their native language. In that way, Deutsche Welle contributes to the refugees’ participation in German society,” said DW director-general Peter Limbourg.