BBC Arab Radio: The station goes off the air after 85 years, the industry reacts

The BBC’s Arabic radio service went off the air for the last time on Friday after 85 years of broadcasting.

The company announced the closure of the BBC’s Arabic and Persian radio in September as part of a wider plan to cut costs for World Service channels and shift focus to digital content production.

At least 382 people will lose their jobs at BBC World Service. The World Service said it wanted to save £28.5m by closing Arabic and Persian radio stations, part of a wider effort to save £500m a year. The company is also ceasing production of radio programs in 10 other languages, including Chinese and Hindi.

The broadcaster said years of license fee freezes imposed by the UK government and rising costs of producing programs were behind the cuts.

BBC Arabic Radio was first launched from Egypt in early 1938 as the BBC Empire Service’s first foreign language radio broadcast. The last broadcast ended at 1pm on Friday with moderator Mahmoud Almossallami signing off.

“Before the difficult moment when we say goodbye, a moment that is difficult for us all, let’s celebrate what BBC radio has given us back and celebrate those who have given everything for this service, those who have passed away and those who is. us and wish them well for the rest of their journey,” said Almossallami.

As the final broadcast ended, many journalists and industry experts shared their thoughts on the shutdown on social media.

“It is much more than sad and painful to see @BBCArabic Radio shut down today after almost 85 years on the air! It is incredibly difficult to describe how we feel!” tweeted Sally Nabil, an Arabic correspondent for the BBC.

Emir Nader, a BBC correspondent, said: “Today is a tragic day for the Arabic media as BBC Arabic Radio goes on the air for the last time after 85 years of service. One of many big losses following budget cuts for the BBC World Service.”

While Martin Patience, NPR’s senior producer, simply tweeted, “End of an era @BBCArabic.”