MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC's division BBC World Service has appointed Salah Negm as news editor for its Arabic television service which will be launched next year.

He was a BBC programme editor, and is currently Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) GM in Dubai. His wide editorial and management experience in the region also includes working as director of news after the launch of the Al Arabiyah satellite channel and roles with the satellite broadcaster, Al Jazeera.

He says, "I am very excited about re-joining the BBC to help launch and run its Arabic TV service. It is the best job in broadcasting for me - a chance to use my experience as a journalist to offer a television audience throughout the Middle East, a news and information service in Arabic informed by the BBC values of accuracy, independence and impartiality. I don't underestimate the challenge - or the competition in a crowded media market-place.

"But BBC Arabic will be the only major international news provider in the Middle East offering a service in Arabic across television, radio and online - sharing views and perspectives across the region and the wider world with access to unrivalled resources for gathering and analysing news which will have wide appeal."

BBC World Service head of Africa and the Middle East Jerry Timmins said, "Salah Negm is a well known journalist with a long and distinguished track record. He is committed to the values which have won the BBC huge respect in the Middle East."

BBC World Service director Nigel Chapman says, "Salah is joining a powerful team who will lead this channel to success. We are fortunate to have someone of his calibre and track record who understands both the competitive market in which our Arabic TV service will operate - and the core BBC values which will underpin the new service."

The BBC World Service Arabic TV service will be the first publicly-funded international television service launched by the BBC. International and major regional issues will be covered along with multi-media discussion programmes and debates in conjunction with the BBC's Arabic radio and online services.

BBC Arabic will be the only major international news provider in the Middle East offering a service in Arabic across television, radio and online - sharing views and perspectives across the region and the wider world. Recent research from seven capital cities across the Middle East indicates that between 80 and 90 per cent of those surveyed are likely to watch an Arabic Television service from the BBC.

It will draw on 68 years of BBC experience covering the Middle East in Arabic - supported by its global newsgathering operation: 250 news correspondents reporting from 50 bureaux allowing a global rather than purely regional perspective.