OSN News: American News Coverage in the Middle East and North Africa
OSN News was a dedicated 24-hour satellite television channel designed to bring high-quality American journalism to U.S. expatriates and viewers across the Arab countries. Operating within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the channel served as a primary conduit for live news and analysis from some of the United States' most prominent broadcasting networks.
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Key Facts
- Launch Date: 1997
- Closure Date: December 31, 2025
- Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
- Ownership: OSN Network (Orbit Showtime Network)
- Primary Content: Exclusive programming from NBC and MSNBC
- Broadcast Format: 16:9 (1080i, HD)
Channel History and Evolution
The channel began its journey in 1997 under the name Orbit News. For over a decade, it established itself as a reliable source of U.S.-based news for the MENA region. As the network expanded, the Orbit Showtime Network (a major pay television service) sought to broaden its coverage.
In 2009, the network introduced two supplementary channels, Orbit News 2 and Orbit News 3, to provide extended coverage of MSNBC and NBC content. However, these additional services were short-lived and were taken off the air in the fall of 2010. Simultaneously, the flagship channel underwent a rebranding process, changing its name from Orbit News to OSN News.
Programming and Content
OSN News focused on delivering a comprehensive suite of American news programming. This included live coverage, news magazine programs, documentaries, and financial shows. The content was primarily sourced from NBC and MSNBC, covering a wide array of topics including world events, business, technology, entertainment, and weather.
Featured NBC and MSNBC Programs
The channel's lineup featured a mix of morning shows, nightly news, and deep-dive political analysis. Key programs included:
- NBC Programming: NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Weekend Today Show, and Early Today.
- MSNBC Programming: Morning Joe, MSNBC Reports, MTP Daily, The Beat with Ari Melber, All In with Chris Hayes, The Rachel Maddow Show, The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, The 11th Hour with Brian Williams, Inside with Jen Psaki, and José Díaz-Balart Reports.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Orbit News (1997-2011) |
| Parent Company | OSN Network |
| Sister Channels | OSN Movies, OSN Sports |
| Region of Availability | Middle East and North Africa |
| Technical Format | 1080i HD (16:9) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was OSN News?
OSN News was a 24-hour satellite channel that broadcast American news programming from NBC and MSNBC to audiences in the Middle East and North Africa, specifically targeting U.S. expatriates.
When did the channel change its name?
The channel was originally launched as Orbit News in 1997 and was renamed OSN News in the fall of 2010.
Which networks provided the content for OSN News?
The channel exclusively offered programming from the American networks NBC and MSNBC.
When is OSN News scheduled to close?
The channel is scheduled to close on December 31, 2025.
Where was OSN News based?
The channel was based in Manama, Bahrain.