BBC Arabic radio off air after 85 years, an 'end of an era'
Journalists lamented the loss of the iconic station, but BBC will continue to produce Arabic-language content on its website.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Arabic radio service went off the air Friday, marking a turning point in regional media, and prompting eulogies and words of sorrow from many fans across the region.
What happened: The BBC announced in September plans to cease its radio broadcasts in Arabic, Persian and other languages in an effort to save money. The BBC’s World Service also announced hundreds of job cuts at the time. Radio has also become less popular around the world with the rise of podcasts and online media.
BBC Arabic Radio finally went off the air at 9 a.m. ET Friday. However, BBC Arabic’s website will continue to run as well as host current and new audio programs, the BBC said in a tweet.
BBC Arabic is one of the BBC’s oldest services and began in 1938.
