JeemTV (Arabic: تلفزيون جيم), formerly known as Al Jazeera Children's Channel (abbreviated as JCC) (Arabic: قناة الجزيرة للأطفال), is a Qatari Arabic-language pay television (formerly free-to-air until 2016) channel, aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 12. It was previously co-owned by Al Jazeera Media Network and the Qatar Foundation from launch until June 2013, when Al Jazeera fully acquired the channel.[1] It was then acquired by beIN Media Group on April 1, 2016.
 Logo used since 2013 | |
| Broadcast area | Middle East and North Africa Europe (formerly) United States |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Doha, Qatar |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Arabic (Modern Standard) |
| Picture format | 480p (2005–2011) 720p (2011–present) 1080p (downscaled to 576i for the SD feed; 2016–present) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Al Jazeera Media Network (2005–2016) Qatar Foundation (2005–2013) beIN Media Group (2016–present) |
| Sister channels | |
| History | |
| Launched |
|
| Closed |
|
| Former names | Al Jazeera Children's Channel (2005–2013) |
| Links | |
| Website | www.jeemtv.net jcctv.net (archived) |
History
editThe channel was launched as JCC on September 9, 2005 as a joint venture between the Qatar Foundation (who owned 90% of the channel) and Al Jazeera Media Network (who owned the remaining 10%). The look was designed by Gédéon.
The first major rebrand for JCC happened on January 16, 2009, coinciding with the launch of sister channel Baraem. This time, Radiant Studios was in charge of the look for both channels, and both rebrands were met with positive reception.[2] London-based foundry Fontsmith revised the font used on air, which was depicted in the new logo, now in 2.5D. The targeted age demographic was changed from 3–14 to 7–14 as a result of the launch of Baraem.
A European feed launched on November 1, 2012.
In February 2013, a new look for JCC was announced on social media. Along with that, a new website (whatisthedot.net, now redirects to jeemtv.net) was created detailing the new look;[3] it was originally supposed to launch on March 1st, but was delayed. Finally, on March 29, 2013 at 5:00 PM Doha time, JCC was rebranded as JeemTV.[4][5][6] The word "Jeem" is a reference to the letter ج in the Arabic alphabet. It is depicted in the logo. The new logo was designed by Tarek Atrissi, while the on-air look was made by Jump Design. Another change with this new look is the targeted age demographic, which was changed from 7–14 to 7–12.
On June 15, 2013, three months after the rebranding to JeemTV, Al Jazeera announced the acquisition of the Qatar Foundation's assets of the channel; it has maintained full ownership of the channel since then.[7]
On April 1, 2016, JeemTV and Baraem on Arabsat and Nilesat both became encrypted in favor of HD feeds available exclusively via the beIN Channels Network service.
The European feed on Freeview UK closed on June 1, 2018.
Programming
editProgramming aired on the channel includes debate shows, educational programs covering themes such as science, technology and sports, quizzes and game-shows, documentaries, scripted live-action TV series, and animated TV series. The channel produces some of its own original TV series, such as My Arabian House, which premiered in 2007 and featured live action and puppetry.[8] JeemTV also participates in co-productions with other public service children’s channels around the world. The remaining content consists of shows from the international market. Virtually all foreign-language material is translated into Arabic, primarily via dubbing (though voice-over is also used for unscripted programming).
JeemTV developed its multimedia program for learning and creativity with an interactive website. The website is bilingual in Arabic and English and provides more than 200 hours of educational and entertainment material. Members can also upload their images and videos and share them with other children around the world.
Since January 16, 2009, programming for the pre-school demographic between the ages of 3 and 6 is presented under the Baraem brand.
Presenters and mascots
editHuman presenters
editThe channel has many presenters that host its programs. Some of the most popular presenters are Ashraf Al-Awadi (Arabic: اشرف العوضي, 2005–present), Sahla Melki (Arabic: سهلة المالكي, 2005–2015), Jihane Arsanios (Arabic: جيهان ارسانيوس, 2005–present), Marwa Khamis (Arabic: مروة خميس, 2007–present), Mohamed Ali Bougma (Arabic: محمد علي بوغمة, 2005–2013) and others.
Mascots and puppets
editSince the channel's inception, the channel's mascot was a CGI robot named Nad (Arabic: ناد) who would appear in select shows, and was voiced by Ashraf Al-Awadi. He was retired in January 2009.
With the premiere of Allo Marhaba in 2007, a new mascot was introduced. This time he was a yellow puppet with black hair and was named Anbar (Arabic: عنبر). Unlike Nad however, Anbar continues to appear in the channel to this day.
Another puppet mascot was introduced sometime circa 2010, a red one with purple hair, named Lahouh (Arabic: لحوح), and would either accompany Anbar or appear on his own.
Broadcast
editFrom launch to Summer 2007, JCC broadcast 18 hours a day on weekdays (6 am to 12 am Doha time) and 19 hours on weekends (6 am to 1 am). By the end of June 2007, JCC extends its broadcast time to 20 hours on weekdays (6 am to 2 am) and 21 hours on weekends (6 am to 3 am). With JCC's rebranding on 16 January 2009, the broadcast time was changed again, this time to 20 hours on both weekdays and weekends.
In September 2011, both JCC and Baraem started broadcasting in 16:9 aspect ratio in 720p resolution, coinciding with JCC's sixth anniversary.
In October 2012, the channel started broadcasting 24 hours a day.
JeemTV was free to view on Badr, Arabsat, Nilesat, Hotbird, Eurobird, and Freeview UK and was also distributed by a number of other operators across Europe. Although starting on 1 April 2016 it was made exclusive to beIN Channels Network, however, the Hot Bird feed remained free to view until 1 June 2018.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Official: JCC to leave Qatar Foundation for Al Jazeera". July 15, 2013.
- ^ [1] - Design Week
- ^ whatisthedot.net
- ^ Filmmaster MEA hosts the launch of JEEMTV for Al Jazeera Children - Filmmaster MEAArchived July 7, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ JCC presents JeemTV for Arab children of the 21st century - qatarisbooming.com
- ^ JeemTV [@JEEMTV] (March 29, 2013). "JEEMTV on Twitter: "JeemTV is new and exciting experience, a great world waiting to be discovered http://t.co/0GgIh7I86y"" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Official: JCC to leave Qatar Foundation for Al Jazeera". July 15, 2013.
- ^ ""بيتي العربي" أضخم إنتاج عربي للأطفال على قناة الجزيرة للأطفال". September 24, 2016. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2021.