BBC Arabic radio to launch live phone broadcasts in USA

BBC Arabic has entered a partnership with AudioNow that will see its broadcasts available live across the United States via any mobile or fixed-line phone.

AudioNow uses proprietary technology to enable people to listen to live broadcasts and streams from a number of internet and terrestrial broadcasters, simply by dialling a number.

From this week, BBC Arabic radio listeners can access the station via AudioNow 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by dialling 202 481 6881.

The service itself is free to callers in the United States, although listeners may be charged by their individual mobile or fixed-line service providers for their calls, depending on their contract agreements or payment plans.

Simon Kendall, Head of Business Development, Africa & Middle East, BBC World Service, says: "This is a really interesting partnership for BBC Arabic.

"The ability for our radio listeners to access our content by simply dialling a phone number makes it incredibly simple for people to listen, wherever they are.

"It's a great addition to our online, radio and TV services, and demonstrably increases our reach to Arabic speakers in the United States."

Elan Blutinger, Managing Director, Alpine Audionow LLC, adds: "BBC Arabic is an unrivalled source of unbiased news and other content for Arabic-speaking communities around the world. It will add a first class resource to the content available on AudioNow."

For details of BBC Arabic programming, where to find it, and to watch online, visit the BBC Arabic network's website, bbcarabic.com.

(BBC World Service International Publicity)