ANNUAL REPORT 2017 04 SAT-7 2017 OVERVIEW 2017 SAT-7 saw the realization of many goals: the strengthening of SAT-7’s leadership, SAT-7 PARS being offered on a new satellite, and a new channel, SAT-7 ACADEMY being launched. Our channels responded through their programming to the wide range of significant and often distressing events in the region, offering words and prayers of comfort to its viewers. Through it all SAT-7 has remained a faithful witness, steadfast in serving the region with impactful, current and much needed Christian programming. April During Palm Sunday celebrations, two Egyptian Coptic churches in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt are bombed killing 45 people. A field report on the two horrific incidents is broadcast by SAT-7 ARABIC. SAT-7 ARABIC covers Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt with four special live episodes of the current affairs program, Bridges. Michel Aoun, Lebanon’s President and the only Christian president in the Middle East and North Africa, delivers an Easter message on SAT-7 ARABIC. A new working committee of twelve volunteers is formed in Hong Kong to promote SAT-7’s ministry in Asia. March Albert Fawzi is confirmed by the Egypt Board as Executive Director of SAT-7 Egypt. May SAT-7 TÜRK covers the commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of he brutal murder of three workers of the Bible publishing house, Zirve, in the central Anatolian city of Malatya. January Rita Elmounayer begins her new role as Deputy CEO of SAT-7 International and David Middleton takes on new responsibilities as Chief Development Officer (CDO). A bus full of children on their way to Minya, Egypt is attacked by two gunmen killing 29 people. SAT-7 KIDS’ program Why is That? responds to young viewers answering their questions and leading them in prayer. SAT-7 PARS launches on a new satellite, Yahsat, doubling its potential viewership.