Islam TV Takes To Russia's Airwaves

Live from Moscow's landmark Ostankino tower, Russia's television viewers will have a new offering come the end of Ramadan -- a nationwide channel aimed at a Muslim audience and promoting Islamic values.

"The intended primary audience of the new channel is Russia's young Muslims," says Rustam Arifjanov, chief editor of Al-RTV. He admits that the new 24-hour satellite channel, which goes on air on August 19, has its work cut out for it as it attempts to attract young audiences through its offering of news, talk shows, and entertainment and music programs.

However, Arifjanov -- a well-known journalist with 20 years of experience in print, broadcast, and online media -- is confident Al-RTV will find its niche.

"Russia doesn't have any federal television channel dedicated for Muslims. There are only regional Islamic channels in Chechnya and Tatarstan. So, there is a demand for [a television channel] with Islamic content among young Russians who follow Islam," Arifjanov says.

"But our audiences don't have to be only Muslims. There are young people who have interests in the Oriental and Arab world, Indonesia, and Turkey, as well as these nations' traditions and culture."

Al-RTV's producer, Timur Bulgakov, describes the channel's content as "rich, objective, and informative." (...)