Dubai 33 to test satellite transmission soon

Dubai 33 will soon test satellite transmission and will invite viewers to air their opinions on future content.

During a one-hour live broadcast hosted by Shahnaz Pakravan on Thursday, viewers will be able to talk to a panel of Channel 33 executives headed by Nasib Bitar, director of programmes, EDTV and Channel 33.

Transmissions on Nilesat will begin on October 1 with plans for full-scale broadcasting across the Arab world, initially on December 2, the UAE National Day.

"English-language television from Dubai first went on the air in 1978, so we've been around for nearly 25 years," said Bitar. "Channel 33 has become something of an institution with a strong regular audience."

It now wants to grab more viewers with a blend of entertainment and news and current affairs and a mix of documentaries, movies, dramas and Dubai's major sports events.

Bitar said with the mushrooming of satellite stations, viewers now have a wider choice. "The decision of Dubai 33 to go on satellite reflects that situation."

Teresa Leahy-Haste, assistant director of programming, said the hour-long live phone-in on Thursday will help plan the kind of programmes viewers want.

"The content will be different in many ways from terrestrial transmissions."

Viewers now have an opportunity to toss brickbats as well as bouquets. The panel will include Sami Rafoul of Pan-Arab Research Centre. The phone-in will take place from 8 to9 pm on Thursday. The toll-free numberis 600 1422.

Viewers can also send their questions and views by e-mail to dubai33@dubaitv.gov.ae