First American Muslim Television Channel

Category: Americas, Life & Society Topics: American Muslims, Television Views: 10004
10004

NEW YORK, NY, April 30, 2003-New York-based Bridges Network, Inc., announced today that it will launch Bridges TV, the first ever nationwide English-language Muslim television channel in North America. The expected launch date is summer 2004, pending how quickly the network can gather the 10,000 paying members necessary to demonstrate public support.

Bridges TV, which will be broadcast from Manhattan, will emphasize news stories, and talk shows, wholesome sitcoms, advice shows, children's programming and movies about Muslim life in America.  Programming will mostly be created, since an English-language genre targeting American Muslims does not exist. 

The venture is spearheaded by Muzzammil S. Hassan, MBA, a bank vice-president in New York and Omar S. Amanat, founder of Tradescape, an Internet brokerage firm. Mr. Amanat sold Tradescape last year to E*Trade (NYSE: ET) for $280,000,000 (million).

Amanat learned early on that even at the height of his financial success on Wall Street, public perceptions of Muslims prevented him from being fully accepted.

"I realized that the only way to undo misconceptions was to create our own media forum from which our stories and culture would be shared with the world.  Other cultural groups have gained acceptance and increased understanding through the forum of media.  Why can't Muslims do the same?"

Channels such as Telemundo and the Black Entertainment Television network have appealed to cultural niche markets. Bridges TV hopes to follow a similar model and create a diverse genre of programming that members of the American Muslim community can identify with. That group is composed approximately one-quarter each of South Asian, African-American, Arab and Others.

Hassan noted that most members of these groups are moderate Muslims who cannot identify with the extreme stereotypes often depicted in Hollywood productions.

"They think they are not accurately portrayed," he said.  "Bridges TV gives American Muslims a voice and will depict them in everyday, real life situations."

Bridges TV differentiates itself from such foreign language programming as Zee TV (Hindi), Prime TV (Urdu) and ART TV (Arabic), which are broadcast in foreign languages and focus on life experiences in foreign countries. These channels are popular among immigrant parents, but not with their U.S. born children. "Our channel is in English and about life in America.  We want a Muslim child who grows up in America to be able to watch our channel and identify with the characters, or to be engaged by the dialogue of issues pertinent to him or her," said Amanat.

Amanat added that stories that shed light on the significant contributions of American Muslims to modern science, art and entertainment remain untold and will be a focus of Bridges TV programming. The network seeks to feature sitcoms that represent American Muslim family life. The Cosby Show, which portrayed a positive representation of African-American family life, is a model for such sitcom programming.

Creation of a channel that features American Muslims comes at a time when the media spotlight is increasingly focused on this population. The channel hopes to "build bridges" of understanding by providing Muslims an opportunity to express their views and opinions about their faith and lifestyle.

Given the estimated eight million Muslims living in North America, the channel is long overdue, according to network officials.  And studies sponsored by Bridges TV have found that American Muslims are willing to pay as much as $10 per month above and beyond their current cable or satellite fee for the channel.

According to a Zogby 2000 survey, at an annual growth of 6%, the American Muslim population, which at present makes a sizable market, is expected to double to 15 million in the next ten years.

Although targeted primarily at a North-American Muslim audience, company officials anticipate that Bridges TV will have some cross-over appeal to other Americans due to world-wide interest about Islam and Muslim lifestyles.

The company successfully completed its first round of fundraising last year, netting $1,000,000 (million) in seed capital from investors.  Most of this initial money is being used to cover legal, filming, marketing and licensing fees.  With a pledge of financial support from Amanat, the company's leading investor, the network's next main milestone is securing the 10,000 paying monthly members necessary to garner cable and satellite television support.

Initial projections are to broadcast the channel four to six hours per day.  Pending advertising revenue and community support through monthly subscriptions, Bridges TV hopes to evolve into a full-time nationwide cable television channel.  Their long-term goal is to gain at least 10% of American Muslim households as monthly subscribers.

So far the response from potential subscribers has been overwhelming.  Over 1,000 paying members have signed up in just one month.

"An American Muslim television channel is the greatest need of our times," said Amanat.  If American Muslims want to bring this kind of television programming into their home, we need their support as members -the viability of this project depends on American Muslims."


  Category: Americas, Life & Society
  Topics: American Muslims, Television
Views: 10004

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Older Comments:
YASSER ATTA MD FROM KARACHI PAKISTAN said:
it is a great deal to communicate and get the latest news of our Religion, may GOD bless this channel to continue (amen)
2003-08-08

AZADA FROM USA said:
Made my day!
2003-07-29

AHMED MORSY FROM USA said:
I would like to join hands with the rest of the arab and muslim community in the North America in support of this broadcast channel that would at last get our voices heard and not let others preacg the public what they think about our beliefs.

Please let me know how I can help

Ahmed
2003-07-05

JIBRIL FROM UNITED STATES said:
Ma'shaallah!
2003-06-10

MOHAMMED SHAZAD FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
this is the best thing iv heard all day masshallah. the muslims nedd the media sysem this day and age as we need to let the people know the real meaning of islam and it will be a real opportunity to get our message out .people have got a bad impression of islam because of some people but inshallah all ah will pave the way for the believers. ameen.
2003-05-16

RAUSHAN FROM KAZAKHSTAN said:
It is very good.
2003-05-07

ALI RIZVI FROM USA said:
just wanted to show support in this matter and hope u are successful in obtaining this goal...
2003-05-07

AZHAR YUSOF FROM SINGAPORE said:
It's a good news for me as a muslim. I think its about time that we muslim do something that benefits us all. As a muslim I'm supporting the ideas and hope I can get more details and the truth about our muslim brothers in America as well as other conntries too.Its about time that we muslim to impart more valuables ideas for the sake of our muslim brothers. Thank you.

Ikhwan Muslimin.
2003-05-06

OMAR RAKEEB FROM USA said:
I am very excited about this venture,it,s long overdue.I am sure that many Muslims feel the same.
I pray that you get the support and blessings to make this endevour successful,Inshaallah.
omar
2003-05-06

SAMIA CHAUDHRY FROM USA (VA) said:
This is what all muslims living in US have been eagerly waiting for. All of our family living here would like to have this in their homes. Its exciting. We will all make it a success. Inshallah!!!!
2003-05-06

SHUJA SYED FROM TORONTO, CANADA said:
Instead of erecting numberous Mosques, which has become the squabbling places for Muslims, this new and long awaited initiative is most welcome.

Shuja Syed
2003-05-06

ALEX K. FROM GREAT THINKING said:
Yes Yes, "An American Muslim television channel is the greatest need of our times," I agree.

May AllAH blees Mr. Amanat, and all of you involving in this project.
2003-05-06

UMFAISAL FROM USA said:
Asalaam Alaikum, I think that this a great idea. I know if this is offered to our cable company I will subscribe.
2003-05-06

T J AHMAD FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
Its great to learn that there is such thing as bridges tv that will dedcate in bringing islamic cultures in american life in american context. I pray to allah that this becomes a succes story and inspire many more to folloew the same. Please let me know if i can help in anyway.
2003-05-05

KAISE ADAM FROM U .S. A. said:
I AM HAPPY AND OVER JOY TO HEARD THIS GREAT NEW.
I HAVE 3, CHILDEREN, AND WE HAVE NOTHING TO WATCH.
I WOULD PAY WHATEVER IT COST. PLEASE START AS SOON AS YOU CAN AND LET ME NOW.
ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO INVEST SOME MONEY AND SWITCH
MY STOCK MARKET. LET ME NOW HOW.
salamu alaykum warahma tulaahi.
2003-05-05

HINDA FROM USA said:
SALAAM ALAKIUM,

I LIKE THE IDEA ALOT, I THINK IT IS GREAT .IT GIVES US MUSLIMS AMERICANS AN IDEA OF WHAT IS GOING AROUND THE WORLD ON ISLAMIC SITUATIONS, AND IT WILL INSHALLAH SHOW PEOPLE WHAT MUSLIMS REALLY ARE AND NOT WHAT THEY SEE ON HE MEDIA. MOST OF ALL TEACH US YOUNG ADULTS AND CHILDREN ABOUT ISLAM. AND LET OTHERS KNOW THE TRUE MEANING OF ISLAM. INSHALLAH IT WILL BE A SUCCESS..

SALAAM ALAKIUM,
Islamic Awareness Club Hinda
2003-05-04

YASSINE FROM USA said:
I was very happy to know that we will finally have a channel that we could share with our familes,however I was wondering if non muslims could have access to it without having to subsribe.
Jazakoum ALLAH khaira
2003-05-04

ALAA HOPKINS FROM MOROCCO said:
El Hamdullilah! As an American muslim overseas I'm truly excited about this media proposition that would break stereotyping of muslims but also inform new reverts about cultural/religious values that are important to other muslims. Will there be international satellite coverage in the future? There will be a keen interest from all sectors of society; a need for key positive role models in the programming. May Allah bless you in this venture. Allah maakum!
2003-05-04

KEDER OMER FROM USA said:
I am very excited to hear about bridge TV. If one needs to know about geology, as he needs to go to geologist rather than a chemist, I hope our Muslim brothers & sisters will understand Islam from Muslim prospective rather than from none Muslims alike. May Allah make it happen.

Keder Omer, from Atlanta
2003-05-04

SAMAR DOGAR FROM USA said:
Excellent idea -- promoters should contact all Ismamic schools and pass out sign up sheets.
2003-05-04

SALEEM MOINUDDIN FROM CANADA said:
Hearty congradulations. May Allah give the brothers and sisters who have taken this job all the success and courage to show the truth and avoid shows which are vulgarity. We have to show the purity of Islam.
I wish the our Arab leaders learn a lesson from this and atleast support the people who have taken this initiative.
I pray to Allah to give you all success both in this world and hereafter. I hope we can see your programmes in Toronro, Canada.
Saleem
2003-05-03

ALI FROM CANADA said:
Alhamdolillah,this great work was overdue and it is a great and hard work put in place by the Brothers South of our border.
Now all of the Muslim community would be able to learn something from the tv show,especially the younger generation ,who are growing up in this modern day society.
Allah-U-Akbar.
2003-05-03

WASI AHMED FROM CANADA said:
The Truth of Islam, The Guidance from Qur'an and the Life of Muhammad, peace be upon him, shall InshaAllah be available to the masses through our own TV Channel. Further, the masses will have an opportunity to enjoy decent programs and also a chance to liberate themselves from the bondage of unjust and biased media and their perpetual lies. www.mascomweb.com success peace happiness
2003-05-03

ABDUR RAZZAQ FROM USA said:
Unfortunately, most of us in the West have become overly dependent upon TV. Although I disagree with those ulama who say that TV is totally evil and needs to be removed from the Muslim home, the benfits of TV are minimal. Therefore we should strive to eliminate as TV as much as possible from our lives, and concentrated on studying, reflecting upon, and practicing our Deen.
As Salaamu Alaikum.
2003-05-03

ABDUL AZIZ FROM USA said:
Aslam Alaykum,
The muslim channel is a great idea.
I did not hear about the idea until I read the Islamicity site. We need to find a way to reach
more customers....

Salams,
Abdul Aziz
2003-05-03

ALMA BAGHEZZA FROM USA said:
I challenge all Muslims in America to join in this great effort. I am so sick and tired of having to settle for what is on the stations now. It is high time for Muslims to stand up and be accounted for in this country. As a black American Muslim, I feel left out most of the time. I cannot understand Al Jazeera and cannot relate to Christianity. I cannot wait for this to become a reality!!! Al Hamdulillah.
2003-05-02

BROWN FROM TURKEY said:
i am not a muslim ... but if u start a new tv channel based on the religion .. i will convert .. due to my whole life's focus being television. Do not delay ... for i am watching other useless channels like NBC and ABC and CBC and others.
2003-05-02

ABDULLAH FROM USA said:
This is really great!
People asking what to do just go to the website- bridges.tv
It is pretty self explanatory.

Take care.
2003-05-02

AMIRA FROM USA said:
Hey where can I sign up?

Will this be on satellite all over or only in big city markets?

Great idea, long over due!
2003-05-02

MARGARITA FROM UNITED STATES said:
As an american muslim I would like to express my enthusiasm on having such a channel, finally we will have something for our children and parents to look forward to, and it will also make us feel more as if we are not so foreign. I would like to petition for this to become a much needed success in the American Muslim Community .

May Allah(swt) bless this intention and make it a success the entire ummah Muslim as well as non Muslim Ameen.
2003-05-02

NAILA FROM U.S.A. said:
It's about time we had a channel for Muslims! Growing up in the U.S.A, I know how difficult it is for young Muslims to grow up in a non Muslim country. Now they and Muslims in general will have a channel to watch that will represent their lifestyle. I hope the channel also appeals to the non-muslim population as well.
2003-05-02

M.AFZAL DEURA FROM PAKISTAN said:
Really fantastic idea. This channel should be a Global Muslim Television channel. How can we see this in Pakistan ?
2003-05-02

M.ADEM FROM USA said:
This is an idea whose time has certainly come.
I never thought i would see something like this in my life time.Thank you for even thinking anout it.Anything i can do to help? Please let me know.
2003-05-02

RAYAN B.T.S.A. RAFAY FROM CANADA said:
Assalamwalaikum

I believe this is a commendable thing, and all Musims should join hands in encouraging this and providing donations. I think there is nothing wrong with drama or sitcoms, as long as its done in an Islamically acceptable way, we must all accept that television has become a part of our lives, and almost all Muslims living in North America have a need for dramatic television, is it better for them to watch 'friends' or a soap opera or is it better for them to fulfill this need with Islamically wholesome programming, which was previously unavailable. If Muslims want progress then we must take the freedom are religion has given us and use it to our benefit rather than restiricting ourselves when Islam has taught us to do no such thing. If one simply has commentary and news, the children will turn the channel to NBC and adults will only watch it for the 6 'o' clock news and then change the channel back to the evening movie or the newest 'survivor' it is essential that we provide drama; after all art is what makes life liveable.
2003-05-02

NA FROM US said:
I think having sitcoms or 'drama' shows is a bad idea. It should mostly provide news and commentary about what's going on in the muslim world, and also show documentaries and movies from muslim countries...
2003-05-01

SUMAYYA FATIMA FROM USA said:
I think this is a very good achievment for all muslims in this country. I hope this channel also draws attention and interst of the general nonmuslim americans. good job
2003-05-01

ALFONSO FATEEN SAAHIR FROM UNITED STATES said:
How do I become a member?
2003-05-01

AIT BEN SAID ELMOSTAFA FROM SWIZERLAND said:
Will Bridges TV be Available in swizerlan via
cable satellit TV
THANKS
2003-05-01

FAWZI BENNANI FROM USA said:
Assalamu Alaikum
This is indeed a Rahma min Rabina to all Muslims and all of mankind. What a wonderful news. A TV Channel that will allow us to finally share our religion , heritage, culture , stories and many more with AMERICA and( inshaa allah other continents) in our own WORDS and the way we see it thru our OWN EYES HEARTS AND MINDS.
The Muslim community is taking shape and gaining strength in a consistent and progressive way thanks to many hard working Muslim men and women who makes up the body of several Muslim Organizations.
I am convinced that BridgeTV will help give an extra energy to all involved and non involved Muslims and will be our visual voice ,in all aspects ,into American homes .

Many thanks.


2003-05-01

EJAZ AHMED FROM USA said:
Alhamdulillah and thanks to those who has taken this bold and time oriented most appropriate step to apread the message.

The approach of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him, PBUH) was to invite non-muslims in the most gentle and sober way. Most non-muslims surrendered to Islam motivated by the wonderful character of its followers. But unfortunately, many muslims around the world are trying to take a non-conventional way of spreading Islam through violance and such approach is more damaging to Islam as evident by last couple of years incedents. Such approach contradict what Prophet MOhammed (PBUH) instructed.

I strongly believe, a pure and modern form of Islam will start spreading from this land (USA) and the 1st step has already been started. Thanks to all and May Allah show us the correct way.
2003-05-01

DR.ABDUL SYED FROM CANADA said:
Excellent idea. This is long overdue. I wish sombody had started this ten years back.
North American muslims is a very vibrant and educated community and can contribute a lot towards peace and development. Our youth and children need a good islamic channel to learn tolerence and peace. Muslim community in North America can help in transfer of technology to underdeveloped muslim countries. We can help in the field of education preventive medicine and computer sciences. The Bridges TV can act as a catalyst. One idea is to approach oil rich shaikhs and convince them to invest in the education of future muslims. The wealth of a country in not in oil or gold but in the education honesty and character and integrity of its people. I wish Bridges TV all the best. I pray for their SUCCESS.
2003-05-01

MOHAMMAD A ANSARI FROM USA said:
AA

I hope and pray that this project will be successful and that it will always stay within the Islamic framework and be guided by Isalamic principals. I have already signed up and am encouraging others for the same.

Salam

Dr Ansari
2003-05-01

COOLDADDY FROM CANADA said:
To be really successfull, InshAllah, the channel will need to be widely available throughout the Western Muslim world, including Canada, England, Austrailia etc. These efforts should be done right from the start, and a distinction needs to be made between the particular needs of the USA-Muslim and the wider English-speaking muslim community.
2003-05-01

NGUYEN VAN XUNG FROM USA said:
I will support this chanel finacially and spiritually.
2003-05-01

DR. PAVELSTEFANOV FROM BULGARIA said:
I shall believe that Islam is democratic, when Saudi Arabia introduces a Christian TV channel.

Pavel
2003-05-01

WG CDR UMAR ALI FROM PAKISTAN said:
It is an encourging news. Humanity needs guidence from Islam particularly wirh reference to brotherhood.
2003-05-01

AFZAL SHAHEEDI FROM CANADA said:
Please dont forget the Canadian Muslim market.I look forward the avialability of the BridgeTv in Canada.
2003-05-01

EDWARD DUDLEY FROM BRITAIN said:
This channel will be a great voice for the Muslim Ummah and to portray a balanced picture of Islam rather than the Negative Stereo typing by Non Islamic media.
2003-04-30

SALEHA FROM USA said:
I got so excited reading this. It is really good idea or lets say best of the best. May allah be with you we all American Muslims are with you. I will be one of the audiences and supporters of this channels. thanks
2003-04-30

SIKANDER NURUDDIN FROM USA said:
I would be very much interested in it and there are lot of folks in Kansas City who are awaiting for this.

Please do it at the earliest.
2003-04-30

ABU BAKR FROM AMERICA said:
this is not a personal attack, but how is the person who is spearheading this project a vice pres at a bank in new york? isnt working with intrest a haram form of income? it is like owning a liquer store and useing the profits to buy dawah material. i would like to see a tv chanel for muslims but it seems many times when there is a public broadcast wheather tv or radio many muslims either spend most of thier time appologizing for other muslims or showing how american muslims are so similar to american non muslims, but what they do not relize is americans are looking for something different, something other than american culture wich has let them down or has dragged them down. muslim women dont have to wear head wraps and make-up to fit in or programs dont have to play music to keep it entertaining, nor do men have to shave their beards and mustaches to keep from looking like an extreamist. islam is unique but it is buetiful because it is pure. prophet muhammed peace be upon him and his sahabah and thier wives where the most buetiful people on this earth and believe it or not american people do relize that and they do see the beauty in a muslim man and women because of their purity inside and out. we do not need to sink to the non muslims standars because they generally dont have many but we can show them ours and Allah is Beauty and He loves that wich is beautiful. we are not asking for a program of hardliners beating islam down the throats of the unwilling but we would love to see and hear as program where muslims are not affraid of the blame of the blamers. Allah reward those who want to give dawah and these brother who are trying to establish this program but please make sure it pure like our religion. shukran salam
2003-04-30

RIAZ FROM USA said:
go to www.bridges.tv for info on this project
2003-04-30

MIRZA RIZWAN BAIG FROM USA said:
thankyou for under taking this task. Our futore generation will remeber the people behined this project as heros. Myself being a 9-11 survivor always beleived that after 9-11 views of moderate muslims were simply not presented on the mass media. good luck and thankyou
2003-04-30

AHMED AZAM FROM ENGLAND said:
Will Bridges TV be available in England via cable/satellite television?
2003-04-30

HABIB SULEIMAN FROM KENYAN said:
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST GRACIOUS THE MOST MERCIFULL.
I AM A MUSLIM WHO UAPENS TO BE A KENYAN FIRST OF ALL I REALY ENJOY THIS SITE BUT MINE IS NOT A VIEW RATHER IT IS A REQUEST AS A MULIM BRO AM ONLY ASKING AQUESTION THUS IAM A HOLDER OF A DIPLOMA IN MASS COMMIUNICATION MEANING AM GOOD IN ALL MEDIAS THUS I WAS ASKING IS THERE ANY HOW YOU MAY NEED ARTICALLS FROM THIS PART OF THE WORLD.MAY ALLAH GUIDE AS ALL AND SET OUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER.
2003-04-30

VA FROM SWE said:
This is good news , wouldbe better if u could start sending this year
2003-04-30

MOHAMMED FROM SAUDI ARABIA said:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah,

Unfortunately, weak Muslims never learn lessons unless they comeback to main source of right understanding Quran and Sunnah. I lived enough in US and practiced Dawah al-Hamdullilah. It became clear to any just person to know that American muslims, except extremely few, do like to beautify islam, decorate, and adjust islam to their own understanding, wishes, and desires like them like other muslims in other forign countries. Based on reading the article, not only you can infere, but also confirm what weak & unsucceful project it is. The idea is good, but who administer the project, who advise the project (islamic scholars correct authentic views), who write and edit texts, speeches, programs are mostly unkown persons of islamic knowledge, as usual like Dawah which has been for at least two decades before this channle can exist, depends on Ijtihad of few, not knowledgable people, and just we try to represent islam and think we are right of what we do. In Dawah in US, you can see how many org., each work alone, think he/she is right, think others are wrong....etc. How about your channel, it will not add much, rather it will be similar to those before experianced Dawah people, execpt whom Allah bless with auth. knowledge, correct understanding, administered by Known islamic Scholars in the Islamic world, not necessarily from Saudi scholars, but know of their straight knowledge. Simply, the arabic channles now show many wrong scholars, false islamic info., false programs of islam, and they attach it to Islam. This happens in the core area of Islam, how about the weak area.... where you find very few who understand the Wala And Bara... After long living there, some of them have been injected by the poison, and they no longer accept words unless came from dirty mouths (extremist, fanatics....) We ask allah to guide us to the truth, put us away from our wrong desires, and help us to understand deen as Salaf did.
Jazak Allah kh
2003-04-30

MALIK FROM USA said:
Aslaamulkum
Sounds like a Great Idea....Inshallah it works out. I am ready to sign up.
Can someone give more information on how or where to sign up for the TV Channel.
2003-04-30

AMINA ABAWI FROM US said:
Alhamdullilah. It is long overdue. Jazzakumalakhair to all, who are working towards making it a reality.
2003-04-30

SHERIN JASEM FROM USA said:
So many others have promised the same. I pray this time it will be successful.
2003-04-30

AHMED ELSID FROM USA said:
It is about time Muslims had a dedicated channel. I will sign up.
2003-04-30

SAHAR EL SHAFIE FROM NC, USA said:
Allahu Akbar Walilahi al hamd. I am proud of this bold move by Bro. M Hassan. May Allah (SWT) give this project baraka and enable it to be a source of pride for all Muslims inshallah. We need the positive press, inshallah.
2003-04-30