ANNUAL REPORT 2017 17 SAT-7 ACADEMY CHANNEL UPDATE FIRST STEPS TO A NEW CHANNEL In the beginning of 2017, the satellite contracts for the new channel, SAT-7 ACADEMY, were signed. Before launching the new channel, George Makeen, SAT-7’s Arabic Channels Programming Director, travelled to both Egypt and Lebanon to meet with new producers and review new proposals, connect with new production partners, and discuss ideas for programming for the new channel. APPOINTING THE CHANNEL LEADERSHIP With many years of experience in producing creative educational programming, Juliana Sfeir was appointed as SAT-7 ACADEMY’s Channel Manager. Sfeir’s role, along with a team of experts and consultants, is to review all proposals and decide on the programming mix which they judge will best meet the needs of viewers. “I am eager to see this channel bring learning to the hearts and minds of refugees and our region’s most under-served children, youth, parents, and poorly resourced educators,” Sfeir says. PREPARING TO LAUNCH In preparation for the launch of SAT-7 ACADEMY, various actions needed to be taken almost simultaneously. New spots were created and aired on SAT-7 ARABIC and SAT-7 KIDS to promote the channel before its launch. SAT-7’s Project Management Team worked closely with the channel’s leadership to further strengthen relations and partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the ground. New programs were commissioned or acquired and initial broadcast schedules finalised. A NEW CHANNEL FINALLY ON AIR On 1 September 2017, SAT-7’s dream of providing a 24/7 education and social development satellite TV channel for millions in the Arab world, came to fruition with the launch of SAT-7 ACADEMY. After many months of dedicated preparation, the SAT-7 Lebanon office celebrated and cheered as the first broadcast began to air. The channel was introduced by an inspiring 10-day series of live shows featuring many distinguished guests. The series, ACADEMY: More than Education aired for two hours each evening and was hosted by Presenter Milad Hadchiti. Several key SAT-7 staff members joined the program and kicked off discussion on the channel’s “three pillars”: education, health, and social development. Following the launch, respected figures in Lebanon’s education, health, media, and development sectors joined the program to express their enthusiasm for the new educational channel. E-LEARNING FOR THE NEW GENERATION To ensure that SAT-7 ACADEMY’s programming is used to maximum effect, in 2017 SAT-7 also designed an online e-learning centre. Viewers are able to log on via laptops, tablets and mobile phones to customised profiles with courses available at their fingertips. Through this online platform users have access to an extensive learning library and can find the material that is relevant and meets their individual needs. ON THE GROUND ASSESSMENT To assess the effectiveness of SAT-7 ACADEMY’s programming on children, their families and their teachers, SAT-7 Education & Development (E&D), a new SAT-7 entity, in collaboration with on-the- ground NGO partner Biladi, launched the Cultural Heritage and Interactive Learning Development (CHILD) Centre in November. The centre, located in the mountains of Lebanon, hosts 75 refugee children who have no other access to schooling. As part of this initiative SAT-7 E&D aims to measure the impact of the education and social development programs of SAT-7 ACADEMY, assess what changes could improve the programs, and what additional programming ought to be introduced.