Al-Alam demands explanation for Saudi ban

Saudi-run satellite operator Arabsat continues to ban Iran’s al-Alam from broadcasting on the air despite the news channel’s request for an explanation.

Arabsat has accused Iran’s Arabic-language news channel of violating the rules of broadcasting.

In particular, Arabsat has claimed that Al-Alam breached its commitments by criticizing some figures in the Arab world.

Al-Alam has called on the operator to mention the exact time and date of the programs which they have found offensive.

According to al-Alam authorities, the Iran-based television network was taken off the air by both Arabsat and Egyptian-run Nilesat on Tuesday without prior notice.

The channel authorities say the move is in violation of previous contracts with the two satellite companies.

Al-Alam has been seeking an explanation from the operators, but they have so far refused to give further details about their decision to take the news channel off the air.