Television in Bahrain began in 1973 with the five-hour per day broadcasting.[1] There are seven free-to-air channels, four of which privately owned. The country's public service broadcaster, Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation, broadcasts the popular Channel 44; around 35-40% of its output is locally produced.[2]
Bahrain historically hosted a number of pan-Arab broadcasters, such as Orbit before the OSN merger, and the MBC2 channel. It also hosts the Alarab News Channel channel funded by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal that will cover political, economic and social issues related to the Arab region.[2]
Free satellite is the dominant television platform, representing 51% of Bahraini households. The country has a relatively high pay-TV penetration, estimated at 51% in 2011. The three main pay-TV operators are OSN, ART and Al Jazeera Sports.[2]
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