January 21, 2008

State Department Official Answers Viewers’ Visa Questions on Alhurra
(Springfield, Va.)

Alhurra, the Arabic-language television network, is giving viewers a unique opportunity to ask their questions directly to Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.  During a special interactive edition of “Free Hour,” Ms. Harty will answer viewers’ questions regarding travel and immigration to the United States. Viewers are encouraged to send in their questions to talkshow@alhurra.com or call 703-852-9211 to record their questions. Ms. Harty will answer these questions live during a one-on-one interview on Thursday, Jan. 24th at 18:00 GMT.

Alhurra (Arabic for "The Free One") is devoted primarily to news and information and broadcasts to 22 countries in the Middle East. Surveys show that Alhurra has an estimated weekly audience of 20 million people and that that more than 70 percent of Alhurra’s viewers consider the news reliable. In addition to reporting on regional and international events, the channel broadcasts discussion programs, current affairs magazines and features on a variety of subjects including health and personal fitness, entertainment, sports, fashion, and science and technology. The channel is dedicated to presenting accurate, balanced and comprehensive news. 

Alhurra is broadcast on the Nilesat and Arabsat satellites to the Middle East, the same satellites used by the major regional Arabic channels; and on the Hotbird satellite system to Europe. Alhurra is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency funded by the U.S. Congress.  The BBG oversees MBN and acts as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters. For more information on Alhurra go to www.alhurra.com.