NEW CONTENT AND HIGH-DEF REVITALISE SAT-7 KIDS
SAT-7 KIDS is introducing a raft of exciting and engaging new content for its young Arabic-speaking audiences, along with updated graphics and the news that programs will now be available in high definition (HD) on the on-demand service SAT-7 PLUS and all Arabic social media platforms.
“The new SAT-7 KIDS content has been adapted for the new generation – for their interests and their need for engagement. It ensures the delivery of the message in a new, interactive way, following the trend driven by social media and influencers, but in its own biblical way and led by our mission and vision,” said Maroun Bou Rached, Executive Director of SAT-7 Lebanon.
The flagship program in the new schedule is Challenge Accepted, a new Bible knowledge gameshow.Through a range of quizzes and challenges, the program provides an enjoyable biblical and spiritual education for young viewers, to emphasise the importance of teamwork, accepting differences and communicating openly, and to demonstrate that healthy competition can be fun.
Other new content includes a series of short spots featuring the voices of 100 children from across the region on a variety of topics, from children’s and women’s rights to the needs of refugees. New Verse of the Day spots are also helping young viewers learn God’s Word through repetition across each day. From December the schedule will also include a new season of the flagship program Bedtime Stories, which helps youngsters fall asleep peacefully after hearing about God’s love for them.
SAT-7 ACADEMY programs in the channel’s new schedule include a new incarnation of the education support program Follow Up that sees children take part in challenges and competitions around writing, robotics, the environment, and theatre. In addition to the new satellite programs, through social media children can watch video from called Coaching for Youth, which offers advice on a variety of topics, as well arts and crafts activity ideas and music therapy.
Along with the new spots, programs, and social media videos – which further SAT-7 KIDS’ key aim of producing quality programs that meet viewers’ evolving needs – the channel’s team are excited that viewers can now watch programs in high-definition on SAT-7 PLUS and social media.
“The SAT-7 KIDS digital live stream switching to high definition is the right investment in the right place,” said SAT-7 Broadcast and IT Director Antoine Karam. “The majority of the younger generation are more present online, whether they are holding a phone, tablet, or laptop or watching their smart TV. Today, children’s go-to destination is not satellite but online, where they can watch their favourite programs on demand without needing to be tied to the room where the television is.
“By making high-definition programs available online, SAT-7 remains innovative, maximising our impact without compromising on the most recent technology,” Antoine continues.
Other new SAT-7 KIDS programs introduced in the past year include A Story and a Verse, a new program made in the Gulf dialect that teaches children Bible stories and important Christian values such as humility, forgiveness, and patience, and Taktaka, a new, fast-paced social media-style program including music videos and other fun segments. SAT-7 director and presenter Rawad Daou revealed how he was rejected and bullied as a child, in a particularly touching episode, and shared how as he grew up, he was able to overcome the difficult experiences and became the successful and happy person he is today.
Popular existing programs such as Allo Marianne, Bible Heroes, and Chato continue for loyal and longterm viewers. As Allo Marianne began its new season, the team heard from viewer Mabrouk from Egypt, who said, “I have learned a lot from Allo Marianne, like how to get closer to God. I’ve started to notice many things I didn’t before. I’ve also learned to share with my parents and to respect others. I love the program a lot.”