Christian Broadcaster Launches SAT-7 ARABIC YouTube Live Channel

By Alex Murashko, CP Contributor Thursday, May 30, 2013

Christian broadcaster SAT-7, which transmits programs to the Middle East and North Africa, recently launched its own YouTube Live channel, dramatically expanding its evangelistic reach by use of the latest technology, the media organization announced this week.

YouTube Live broadcasting is free and will increase the reach of SAT-7 ARABIC broadcasts exponentially, say SAT-7 officials. "Arabic-speakers who live outside of the satellite footprints of SAT-7 channels now have yet another and better way to watch major events live on Android and iOS smart phones, iPads, tablets, computers, laptops, and smart TVs. This is especially important for a large community of Arabic-speakers living in the United States and Canada," the organization states.

Earlier this month, the SAT-7 ARABIC channel on YouTube (both live and videotaped) reached a milestone when it exceeded 10 million views since its creation in 2008. The milestone was achieved the day Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on May 5.

"This number reflects not only the popularity of the channel, but also the spiritual needs of millions of people seeking answers and fellowship through SAT-7," producers said.

The first event to be aired on the new YouTube Live channel was a 4-hour prayer service on May 18 at Kasr El Dobarah Evangelical Church in Cairo. The event was themed "I will pour out My Spirit on all people," and a packed sanctuary of worshipers prayed and sang with their hands lifted high, according to SAT-7. Most YouTube Live users watched the prayer service from Egypt and the USA. Many others tuned in from France, Canada, Jordan, and across the world.

Albert Fawzi, operations manager at the SAT-7 Egypt office, said the new YouTube LIVE channel allows viewers to rewind the video or seek back to a certain time to watch again a song or a verse that they liked while the live event is still broadcasting. "The complete live event video will be available on YouTube, for anyone who missed it, a few minutes after the event finishes," Fawzi said. During and after the broadcast, users can post comments and prayer requests to interact with a global community.

Earlier this year, Dr. Terence Ascott, founder and CEO of SAT-7, delivered a keynote address at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

Prior to Ascott's address, NRB President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright said, "SAT-7 has done tremendous work in broadcasting the hope of Jesus Christ to millions throughout the Middle East and North Africa."

On the Web: http://sat7usa.org/