Bethlehem Christian TV Station to Close

Broadcasting from Bethlehem since 1996, Christian TV station The Nativity will stop broadcasting at the end of this month.

This action has been forcedon the station because of reported death threats, trouble with the Palestinian authorities and insurmountable financial debts.

“Christians have never been allowed much space in the public media of the Arab World -- public space is seen as space for Islam,” explained the international director of Arab Vision. “It is very sad that the one clear voice for the gospel on TV in the Palestinian territories is now silenced.”

The station has been broadcasting masses and other Christian services, prayers, a weekly Christian program, news and entertainment. It was particularly popular during the siege of the Church of the Nativity in 2002 as it covered the event 24 hours a day for six weeks.

Samir Qumsieh, director and owner of the station, said that with a reported annual debt of $63,000, the operation is no longer financially viable.

There are also reports that Qumsieh has been receiving death threats and intimidation for more than a year.

The loss of the station has raised serious concerns about the long-term survival of Christianity in the region. These concerns are shared by Arab Vision as it expands its TV production work in the region to help compensate for the closures of local stations.

“The reality is that Christians in the Arab World are evermore dependent on satellite TV where Christian programs are beamed from the outside,” added Arab Vision’s international director. “We are eager to continue giving the Christians of the Arab world opportunity to watch Christian programs throughout the day. But the real loss is that we are pushed out of the public space in our own lands.”

Sources: Arab Vision/HCJB

Web Links

• Al Mahed Nativity TV
• Arab Vision