Population: 371 Million
Languages: English, French, Hebrew, Arabic, Algerian, Berber, Farsi
Religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism
Potential CBN Audience: 320 Million
On April 12, 1982, Hope TV station in Lebanon was donated to CBN and consequently started CBN’s outreach to the Middle East. The station was renamed Middle East Television (METV) and in May 1984 a new facility was dedicated. In the following years, the station became one of the top-rated TV stations in the Middle East, offering news coverage, family programming, and even exclusive coverage of NFL football and other sporting events. The 700 Club and other CBN programs also carried the message of the Gospel to METV viewers.
Then in June 1997, a breakthrough came. METV began broadcasting on the AMOS-1 communication satellite over the Middle East to a potential audience of 200 million people in 15 nations including Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, and Cyprus. METV also distributed free videotapes and religious literature. Through its humanitarian affiliate, Operation Blessing, free food, clothing, and medical supplies
were provided to the needy in the region. In July 2001, METV was sold to a like-minded ministry, LeSEA Broadcasting.
Today, CBN’s ministry to the region continues by producing TV programs in Arabic, Algerian Arabic, Berber, Farsi, and Turkish. Programs air on a variety of television, satellite, and cable stations including METV. In response to its broadcasts and websites, CBN handles hundreds of phone calls and emails every month from all over the world. In partnership with Operation Blessing, CBN also continues to respond to disasters, humanitarian needs, and the plight of the poor in the region.
