Sports news channel unveiled as Al Jazeera celebrates 15 years

A satellite channel dedicated to sports news will mark the 15th anniversary of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Network when it launches on 1 November.

The Arabic Al Jazeera Sports News channel will be the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), broadcasting hourly news bulletins and 20 sports news programmes via Egypt's Nilesat (12245 vertical).

The news programmes will cover all major international tournaments and sports events, especially those exclusive to Al Jazeera Sports, such as the Spanish, Italian, and French football leagues – as well as the UEFA Champion's League and FA Cup competitions. In addition to football, developments in popular sports such as basketball, athletics, tennis and motor sports will be covered in weekly shows.

Arab sports news will also have a prominent presence on Al Jazeera Sports News. Two programmes will be dedicated to covering major sports events in the MENA region.

The channel will also provide comprehensive coverage of events that are not transmitted live through a five-hour programme on Saturdays and Sundays. Talk shows and daily round ups will also provide further news and analysis.

The Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, Sheikh Ahmad bin Jassim Al Thani said the necessary resources had been invested to ensure the channel was strong at launch during a tour of its Doha premises by Nasser Al Khlaifi, manager of Al Jazeera Sports, and Mohammad Ammour, manager of Al Jazeera Sports News.