Television viewing habits have changed considerably in recent years with the rise of multimedia...
SAT-7 PLUS, the Middle East’s first on-demand Christian video streaming service, is now online and available worldwide. The new platform enables SAT-7 to bring the life-changing message of the Gospel to a wider audience in the region, including a growing younger demographic engaging via mobile devices.
“I am pleased to say that SAT-7 is the first Christian satellite television ministry to offer an on-demand streaming service, and the only broadcaster to offer this in Arabic and Farsi,” says Rita El-Mounayer, SAT-7’s CEO. “This gives our audiences the ability to control their own SAT-7 experience, whenever and whatever device they are on.”
The SAT-7 PLUS platform, which functions similarly to popular secular streaming services, is available on web browsers and as an app for all mobile devices. As well as access to new programs added daily and a back catalogue of relevant programming from SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS, and SAT-7 KIDS, viewers can watch the channels live via the platform. They can also use SAT-7 PLUS to communicate directly with channel Audience Relations staff via messaging.
“On-demand content is the expectation of so many media users in the region today. SAT-7 PLUS not only makes us relevant in the contemporary media field, but more importantly, it makes our programming more available and accessible,” says Rita El-Mounayer. “Imagine the potential for sharing the Gospel in difficult contexts. If one of our Christian viewers in Egypt, Iran – or even Afghanistan or Yemen – wants to safely share Jesus with a friend, all they have to do is send them a link to an on-demand program that is culturally sensitive, instantly available, and in their own language,” she continues.
SAT-7 PLUS will enable us to bring the hope of Jesus to more people in more places.”
– Rita El-Mounayer
While satellite broadcasts remain SAT-7’s primary platform, as satellite television is very popular in the Middle East and North Africa and can reach audiences without an Internet connection, El-Mounayer explains that the launch of SAT-7 PLUS is an important step in building God’s kingdom in the region and an investment for the future. “We are pushing forward to attract Generation Z and beyond, who are more attached to their phones than television,” she says. As many as 30 percent of youth in the region already choose to watch television through on-demand streaming.
Farsi youth teaching program accessed on SAT-7 PLUS
In order to reach as many viewers as possible, the platform is available in a variety of bandwidths, including audio-only for the slowest internet connections. Programs can also be downloaded to watch offline, so they can be viewed on-the-go or when the Internet is inconsistent. And to protect the security of viewers streaming from sensitive locations, no personal information will be required in order to access the content. To help viewers find more content relevant to their needs and interests, SAT-7 PLUS will offer recommendations for what to watch next based on the viewer’s preferences, while an age-appropriate content filter for children is also built in.
SAT-7 PLUS helps meet very real immediate needs. “With in-person fellowship still disrupted, the ability to find spiritual support and content that meets other holistic needs on-screen and online is more important than ever,” says El-Mounayer. Please help support the further development of this new and engaging platform by giving here. Thank you!
In 2023, at least 82% of your gift went directly to fund programs building up women, children, and families across the Middle East. Functional expenses (all entities).
