Sharjah24: Sharqiya KalbaTV, which is under the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary since its founding. On February 16, 2014, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launched the channel's official broadcast coinciding with Sharjah TV’s silver jubilee celebrations.
Over the past decade, there has been an immense drive for excellence, set by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He identified the main features of the Channel, which runs from Kalba and serves many members of the Eastern Region community. It is not just limited to Kalba but also includes Khorfakkan and Dibba Al Hisn. His Highness stressed that it is a channel with an Arab culture, that it is necessary to use the Arabic language as the primary language, and that there is no harm in using the local dialect instead of Western and foreign words in our societies.
The channel produced programmes that reflected the region's traditions, served its culture, and preserved its heritage.
The significant efforts and guidance provided by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, played a crucial role in developing this media establishment. He emphasized that the channel is a vital component of the media system that showcases the culture and heritage of the region. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah is particularly interested in promoting these aspects as they play a crucial role in bringing communities and families together, as well as enriching public knowledge.
The employees who helped launch this channel have confirmed that the main challenge they faced was not related to equipment or financing, but rather to generating programmatic ideas that align with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and enable effective communication with the region's people. Consequently, their main focus was creating high-quality media content highlighting the region's rich heritage and the UAE.
Sharqiya KalbaTV's efforts have extended its reach beyond Kalba as they cover various economic, social, and sporting events. They also contribute to spreading awareness in health and the environment. This diverse media content plays a significant role in attracting a wider audience.
The channel has evolved over time and kept up with technological advancements. It has utilised social media and modern technologies to expand its reach and audience engagement. Additionally, it has offered advanced digital content that caters to the new generation's expectations and appeals to a diverse range of age groups.