InBahrain, there are seven free-to-air television channels, four of which are privately owned. The country's public service broadcaster,Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC), broadcasts over five terrestrial TV networks, including the popularChannel 44. Around 35–40% of its output is locally produced.[1] Free satellite is the dominant television platform, reaching 51% of Bahraini households. The country has a relatively high pay-TV penetration, estimated at 51% in 2011. There are three main pay-TV operators:OSN,ART andAl Jazeera Sports (beIN now).[1] The government-controlledInformation Affairs Authority directly controls BRTC and indirectly controls the country's other television networks.
Bahrain Sports is a national TV channel offering various sports events in Arabic. Al Maaref TV is a religious TV channel founded in 2007. An opposition news station,LuaLua TV operates fromLondon, though it is blocked in Bahrain.[2]
Television in Bahrain began in 1973, broadcasting five-hours per day.[3]
Bahrain historically hosted a number of pan-Arab broadcasters, includingOrbit, which merged to form theOSN, and the MBC2 channel. It also hosts theAlarab News Channel funded by PrinceAl-Waleed bin Talal ofSaudi Arabia that covers political, economic and social issues related to the Arab region.[1]
