Springfield, VA — Alhurra Television and MacNeil/Lehrer Productions are joining efforts to co-produce a new documentary series for Arab audiences on the 2012 U.S. elections.
The Making of Democracy will provide viewers from Morocco to Oman with a behind the scenes look at the 2012 elections through stories of candidates, U.S. citizens, Arab Americans, and others involved in local and national races. At the local level, The Making of Democracy on Alhurra TV will tell the story of 19-year old Arab American, Raaheela Amed, who is campaigning out of her parent’s garage for a spot on the school board. It will also feature conversations with Nada El Eryan, a new U.S. citizen who is voting in her first Presidential election. At the national level, The Making of Democracy will give an in-depth look at the Minnesota Congressional race between Democrat Keith Ellison and Republican Chris Fields, and follow other Congressional candidates and their staffs involved in political campaigns.
“Alhurra TV’s partnership with MacNeil/Lehrer on this high quality production comes at an opportune moment when citizens throughout the Arab world are exploring different paths to democracy and political transition, according to MBN President Brian Conniff. “Viewers can watch and see the passions and challenges that go into an American political campaign through these riveting stories. We knew MacNeil/Lehrer Productions was the right company for Alhurra to work with on this series after our successful partnership producing Arab Spring.”
Alhurra will begin broadcasting the eight-part weekly series during prime-time (17:00 GMT) on 13 October.
According to international research firms such as ACNielsen, Alhurra has a weekly reach of more than 20 million people. Alhurra is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency. The BBG provides oversight and serves as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.
Contact:
Deirdre Kline
Director of Communications
Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.
001-703-852-9250
