Advanced Television

Kuwait gets tough on illegal sat-channels

January 11, 2011

by Chris Forrester

Kuwait is home to a number of satellite TV channels, many operating without a formal licence. Kuwait’s information ministry has ordered that these stations be immediately closed down.  BBC Monitoring is quoting Kuwaiti daily Al Jareeda saying: “The decision aims to regularise the work of the satellite channels and curb abuses by some of them,” the government said in a letter.

The information ministry also requested all channels to provide within two months details about vehicle-mounted SNG equipment they use to broadcast.

Several private stations have recently caused local controversy after beaming talk shows and programmes that sparked furious reactions from some families, tribal factions or influential lawmakers that threatened to degenerate into clashes, prompting the government to take action to control the situation.

Categories: Articles, Content, DTH/Satellite, Piracy