BBC Arabic has entered a partnership with AudioNow that will see its broadcasts available live across the United States via any mobile or fixed-line phone.
AudioNow uses proprietary technology to enable people to listen to live broadcasts and streams from a number of internet and terrestrial broadcasters, simply by dialling a number.
From this week, BBC Arabic radio listeners can access the station via AudioNow 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by dialling 202 481 6881.
The service itself is free to callers in the United States, although listeners may be charged by their individual mobile or fixed-line service providers for their calls, depending on their contract agreements or payment plans.
Simon Kendall, Head of Business Development, Africa & Middle East, BBC World Service, says: “This is a really interesting partnership for BBC Arabic.
“The ability for our radio listeners to access our content by simply dialling a phone number makes it incredibly simple for people to listen, wherever they are.
“It’s a great addition to our online, radio and TV services, and demonstrably increases our reach to Arabic speakers in the United States.”
Elan Blutinger, Managing Director, Alpine Audionow LLC, adds: “BBC Arabic is an unrivalled source of unbiased news and other content for Arabic-speaking communities around the world. It will add a first class resource to the content available on AudioNow.”