Arab radio, TV festival kicks off in Tunis

By Marwa al-Sahli

TUNIS (AA) - The 19th Arab Radio and Television Festival kicked off in Tunis on Friday attended by numerous Arab entertainers and media personalities.

The festival, which runs through April 29, is being organized by the Arab Broadcasting Union in conjunction with the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat).

“This year’s festival is devoted to expressing support for Jerusalem,” festival director Abdel Rahim Suleiman said in an opening address.

“It is a confirmation of our absolute solidarity with the Palestinian people following the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” he added.

Last December, U.S. President Donald Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, provoking the anger of Palestinians and prompting widespread international condemnation.

Suleiman also expressed support for Palestinian journalists, who, he said, continued to work in “very difficult professional and security conditions”.

“Activities during this year’s festival will also be carried out in conjunction with the Palestinian Public Radio and Television Authority,” Suleiman explained.

The festival’s main events this year will include radio and television competitions among member organizations and workshops on Arabic-language news production.