Beginning on July 5, 2004, SAT-7 Kids began airing under its own logo. The one-hour program, aired every day (repeated three times a day), will contain a wide variety of formats including cartoons, puppet shows, children’s music, films and SAT-7’s flagship children’s program “As Sanabel” (Ears of Wheat).
“When I saw the first new program I started crying, but you know…it was tears of joy.” says Rita, SAT 7’s Children’s Programming Director, “I felt a dream was coming true.”
The dream was to have a regular block of Arabic Christian programs specifically designed for kids of many ages, airing at regular times every day. Currently SAT-7’s children’s programs are mostly designed for kids under age 12, and they air at irregular times during SAT-7’s broadcast day.
“As Sanabel,” SAT-7's flagship children's program, has received thousands of letters from children across the Middle East and North Africa during its eight year run on SAT-7. But “As Sanabel” is best suited for children under age 12. The new SAT-7 Kids broadcasts will include elements produced for older children.
“We have a number of new segments created for older kids including 'As Sanabel Plus' (special art segment), 'Message from a Sunday School' (recorded in churches across the Arab world), 'A Christian Arab Rap-Music Segment' (where kids learn about Christ through song and dance), 'From the Lab' (Christian lessons taught through scientific experiments), and 'Professions' (profiles of modern jobs kids can pursue). We are also adding some new elements for younger children like, 'Youth Stories' (Hosted by a 6 year old),” says Rita.
“I’m very excited because as my children (the 'As Sanabel' viewers) grow older I want to stay with them and continue to give them what they need,” Rita added. "I also believe it is step toward our next dream of having an entire channel dedicated to all the children of the Middle East and North Africa.”
SAT-7 Kids will air at regular times each day, enabling children across the entire Arab world to watch when it is convenient for them, in their own time zone.
