Al-Shaaer TV
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| Type | Religious television |
|---|---|
| Country | Iraq |
| Broadcast area | Middle East, Europe, North America |
| Headquarters | Karbala, Iraq |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Arabic |
| Picture format | HDTV |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Al-Shaaer International Media Group |
| Key people | Naseer Al-Shahmani (Director) |
| History | |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Launched | 1 January 2011 |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Available on official website and YouTube |
| Website | alshaaer |
| Availability Free-to-air worldwide | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Nilesat | 10971 H – 27500 – 7/8 (FTA) |
| Streaming media | |
| YouTube | Al-Shaaer Channel |
Al-Shaaer TV (Arabic: قناة الشعائر الفضائية) is an Iraqi religious television channel launched in 2011 from Karbala, supervised and supported by Shiite marja' Sayyed Sadiq Al-Shirazi. The channel focuses on covering and broadcasting programs and rituals related to Islamic occasions, especially for followers of the Shiite sect. It broadcasts live Hosseini councils and religious processions, in addition to cultural and jurisprudential programs. The channel has become an influential platform in Iraq's religious media field, extending its presence internationally via satellite and digital broadcasting.[1]
Establishment and Orientation
[edit]The channel was founded by the Global Al-Shaaer Media Group, chaired by Nasir Al-Shahmani. It is a continuation of a media project that started by producing coverage of religious processions in Karbala and Najaf.[2] It officially started satellite broadcasting in 2011 on Nilesat, targeting its primary audience inside Iraq and abroad, mainly Iraqi and Arab communities in the diaspora.[3]
The channel aims to preserve cultural and religious identity by covering religious rituals such as Arba'een pilgrimage and Ashura day, highlighting Islamic history and personalities through documentaries, recorded programs, and dialogue lectures.[4]
Media Production and Content
[edit]Al-Shaaer TV produces diverse programs including religious lessons, jurisprudential lectures, and historical documentation of Ahl al-Bayt's biography. It also offers talk shows addressing contemporary religious and social issues. Notable programs include "Within the Rituals," "Loyalty Journey," and "Talk of the Gnostics."[5] Occasionally, it airs content in Persian to widen its audience in Iran and Persian-speaking Shiite communities.
The channel relies on a network of correspondents to cover live religious events within Iraq, especially in Karbala, Najaf, and Kazimiyah, deploying dozens of media teams during major occasions like Ashura and Arba'een to cover on-site religious activities.[6]
Diaspora Role and Expansion
[edit]Since its inception, the channel has sought to connect with Iraqi communities in Europe, America, and Canada by providing digital internet broadcasting and offering programs catering to diaspora members' religious and social needs.[7] Some content is translated into English to help second-generation migrants better understand religious concepts.[8]
Technical Infrastructure and Media Cooperation
[edit]The channel underwent technical upgrades in 2022, launching HD quality broadcasts and expanding capabilities to include smartphone apps and social media platforms, particularly YouTube, where it maintains an extensive archive.[9]
Al-Shaaer TV regularly collaborates with other channels and radio stations such as Karbala TV and Al-Rawda Al-Hussainiya Radio, as well as the Iraqi media network, especially during major religious occasions.[10] It has also signed agreements with religious institutions to broadcast scientific conferences and cultural Islamic festivals.[11]
Controversy
[edit]In 2023, Al-Shaaer announced plans to produce a drama titled "The Courage of Abu Lu'lu'a," depicting the figure of Firuz Al-Nahawandi, allegedly the assassin of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, a highly controversial figure in some religious and historical circles. The announcement sparked debate in media and social platforms, coinciding with MBC Channel's airing of the series "Muawiya," about the Umayyad Caliph Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. Some parties viewed the timing as an escalation of producing dramas based on divisive historical personalities. The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission intervened in February 2023, issuing directives to Iraqi channels to suspend broadcasting or producing any works about historical figures that could provoke sectarian sensitivities, especially during Ramadan. The official statement emphasized preserving social peace and avoiding media content that might cause division. As of mid-2025, the announced drama had not been aired or detailed further by the channel.[12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Karem (2024-09-19). "Al-Shaaer Channel New Frequency 2025 and Installation Steps" (in Arabic). zahraa.mr. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Launch of Al-Shaaer Channel from Karbala". Noon News Agency. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Al-Shaaer Channel: A Media Bridge Between Inside and Diaspora". Baghdad Today.
- ^ "Al-Shaaer Channel's Special Coverage of the Arba'een Pilgrimage". Shafaq News.
- ^ "Documentary Series on Lady Fatimah al-Zahra". Karbala TV.
- ^ "Al-Shaaer Channel Deploys 50 Media Teams to Cover Arba'een". Iraqi News Agency. Archived from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Expansion of Al-Shaaer Channel Broadcast to Europe and America". Al-Mirbad. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Al-Shaaer Launches HD Broadcast". Rudaw Arabic. Archived from the original on 2022-10-30. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Al-Shahmani Leads Al-Shaaer Media Project". Al-Masalah.
- ^ "Al-Shaaer Participates in Unified Coverage with Iraqi Media". Iraqi Media Network. 14 June 2024. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Al-Shaaer TV Enhances Its Media Presence with Online Broadcasting". Iraq 24. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ ""Al-Shaaer": We Will Stop Producing "The Courage of Abu Lu'lu'a" If MBC Blocks "Muawiya"". ShiaWaves. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
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