Tv Channels In Bahrain: Exploring The Country's Entertainment Options

Television in Bahrain is provided through a mix of free-to-air, satellite, and pay-TV services. There are seven free-to-air channels, four of which are privately-owned, and the rest are operated by the state-run Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC). The BRTC runs five terrestrial TV networks, including the popular Channel 44, with around 35-40% of locally produced content. In addition, Bahrain is home to several religious and sports channels, as well as an opposition news station, LuaLua TV, which operates out of London. With a relatively high pay-TV penetration, estimated at 51% in 2011, Bahrain has three main pay-TV operators: OSN, ART, and Al Jazeera Sports (beIN now).

Bahrain TV channels in Arabic and English

In Bahrain, there are seven free-to-air television channels, four of which are privately owned. The country's public service broadcaster, Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC), broadcasts over five terrestrial TV networks, including the popular Channel 44. Around 35-40% of its output is locally produced.

Arabic Channels

Bahrain has several Arabic-language TV channels. These include:

• Bahrain International Channel: A state-owned international television channel.
• Bahrain TV: A state-owned television channel.
• Bahrain Sports: A national TV channel offering various sports events in Arabic.
• Bahrain Quran: A religious channel.
• Bahrain Lawal Channel: An independent channel that offers news, current affairs, and general entertainment.
• Al Maaref TV: A religious TV channel founded in 2007 by a group of devoted believers.

English Channels

There are also a number of English-language TV channels available in Bahrain. These include:

• BBC
• ITV
• Channel 4
• Five

State-run channels

Television in Bahrain is provided by seven free-to-air channels, four of which are privately owned. The remaining three channels are state-run and are operated by the country's public service broadcaster, the Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC). The BRTC is directly controlled by the government-operated Information Affairs Authority, which also indirectly controls the country's other television networks.

The BRTC operates five terrestrial TV networks, including the popular Channel 44, and several radio stations. Around 35-40% of its output is locally produced. The state-run channels are accessible via free satellite, which is the dominant television platform in Bahrain, reaching 51% of households.

Bahrain TV is the state-owned national television channel, which broadcasts in Arabic. It has an international counterpart, Bahrain International TV, which is also state-owned. In addition, there is Bahrain Sports, a national TV channel that offers various sports events in Arabic.

Bahrain's state-run channels have been in operation since 1973, initially broadcasting for five hours per day. The country has also historically hosted several pan-Arab broadcasters, including Orbit, which merged to form OSN, and MBC2.

Private channels

In Bahrain, there are seven free-to-air television channels, four of which are privately owned. The country's public service broadcaster, the Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC), operates five terrestrial TV networks, including the popular Channel 44.

Of the privately-owned channels, Al Maaref TV is a religious channel founded in 2007 by a group of devoted believers. It broadcasts in Arabic.

Bahrain Sports is another privately-owned channel, offering a variety of sports events in Arabic.

LuaLua TV is an opposition news station that operates from London, though it is blocked in Bahrain.

In addition to these, the Alarab News Channel is funded by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia. It covers political, economic, and social issues related to the Arab region.

Religious channels

Bahrain has a religious TV channel called Al Maaref TV, which was founded in 2007 by a group of devoted believers. The channel is one of the seven free-to-air television channels in Bahrain, four of which are privately owned.

Al Maaref TV is a religious channel that caters to the Muslim population in Bahrain, which is predominantly Islamic. The channel's programming likely includes religious teachings, prayers, and other Islamic content. It is a valuable resource for those seeking religious guidance and information, as well as a platform for religious scholars and leaders to connect with their audience.

In addition to Al Maaref TV, Bahrain also has a dedicated channel for Quran recitations, called Bahrain Quran. This channel is also available on the Badr 4 satellite at the frequency of 12226 H 27500 3/4. Bahrain Quran provides viewers with a way to listen to and recite the Quran, as well as possibly offering interpretations and explanations of the sacred text.

The presence of religious channels like Al Maaref TV and Bahrain Quran reflects the importance of religion in Bahraini society. These channels offer a way for viewers to deepen their faith and connect with others who share their religious beliefs. They also provide a platform for religious leaders and scholars to disseminate information and teachings, contributing to a more informed and engaged religious community in Bahrain.

Sports channels

Sports fans in Bahrain have a few options when it comes to TV channels. The country has a relatively high pay-TV penetration, with three main pay-TV operators: OSN, ART and Al Jazeera Sports (beIN now).

The Bahrain Sports channel is a national TV channel that offers various sports events in Arabic. It is available on Bahrain Sport 1 HD and Bahrain Sport 2 HD on the Badr 4 satellite. This channel is likely to be a go-to for many sports enthusiasts in the country.

In addition to the dedicated sports channels, Bahrain TV, a state-owned television channel, also broadcasts sports content. It is available on multiple satellites, including Hot Bird and Badr 4.

With a range of free-to-air and pay-TV options, Bahrain residents can enjoy a variety of sports programming, keeping up with their favourite teams and athletes from around the world.

Frequently asked questions