Islam Channel

This article is about the UK TV channel. For the Bangladeshi TV channel, see Islamic TV.

51°31′22.02″N 0°5′5.41″W / 51.5227833°N 0.0848361°W / 51.5227833; -0.0848361

Islam Channel
CountryUnited Kingdom
Broadcast areaWorldwide (except Oceania and South America)
HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
Programming
Picture format16:9
Ownership
OwnerMohamed Ali Harrath
History
LaunchedMarch 2004
Links
Websitewww.islamchannel.tv
www.islamchannelurdu.tv
www.islamchannelbangla.tv
Availability
Terrestrial
GOtv (Africa)Channel 81
Streaming media
BroadbandLive Internet Broadcast
BroadbandLive Internet Broadcast
BroadbandLive Internet Broadcast

Islam Channel is a UK-based, free-to-air, English language, Islamic-focused satellite television channel and online media platform funded by advertising[1] and donations.[2] It was founded in 2004 by Mohamed Ali Harrath (born 1963), a Tunisian activist and businessman; his son, Mohamed Harrath,[3] is now its chief executive officer. It was reported in 2008 that UK government research found that 59% of British Muslims watched the channel.[4] It broadcasts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and is streamed live on the internet. Islam Channel began broadcasting in March 2004 on Sky Digital channel 836,[5] but subsequently moved to channel 813, then 806, now 737. In April 2010, it launched on Freesat channel 693. In 2015, Islam Channel Urdu was launched.[6] In 2017, both channels launched on Virgin Media;[7] Islam Channel can be watched on 838 and Islam Channel Urdu on 839.[8] In 2018, Islam Channel Urdu was subsequently moved to channel 851, then 766, then 755, now 745. On 18 October 2022, Islam Channel Bangla was launched on Sky 784.

In 2021, Islam Channel launched new apps to offer enhanced VOD and live-streaming services.[9][10]

Since its launch, the channel has expanded its range of programming, including programmes regarding current affairs, education, Islamic values, Islamic doctrine, entertainment, lifestyle and children's programming as well as domestic, financial and community related topics.[11]

In March 2021, Islam Channel became a BARB reported channel and in April 2021, based on an analysis of BARB data, it was reported to be the top channel watched by British Asians during the first week of Ramadan.[12]

  1. ^ "Islam channel: advertise with us".
  2. ^ "The Dawah Project: The Dawah Project is a charity, dedicated to spreading knowledge about Islam, reaching millions of Muslims & non-Muslims worldwide, through the media".
  3. ^ "Mohamed Harrath (linkedin)".
  4. ^ The Times newspaper: 'Nothing criminal about trying to establish an Islamic state', 15 December 2008
  5. ^ The Islam Channel makes EPG debut Archived 28 May 2006 at the Wayback Machine Skydigi online, 29 March 2004
  6. ^ "Islam Channel Urdu makes Sky launch".
  7. ^ "Biz Asia Live: Islam Channel and Islam Channel Urdu launch on Virgin Media".
  8. ^ "Virgin Media Channel Guide" (PDF).
  9. ^ "Islam Channel on the App Store".
  10. ^ "Islam Channel on the Play Store".
  11. ^ "TV24: Islam Channel".
  12. ^ "UK TV Reach: Islam Channel surprises by overtaking rivals to No.1".