Heya Television, also known as Heya TV or Hiya TV, stands as a trailblazer in Arab media, catering exclusively to the interests and aspirations of Arab women. Launched in 2003 from Lebanon, Heya TV is the first channel of its kind, boldly addressing the diverse issues, passions, and concerns that shape the lives of women across the Arab world. With its unique blend of sophistication, glamour, and cultural relevance, Heya TV has carved a niche for itself as the Arab Woman Channel, a premium media platform designed for the crème de la crème of Arab society.
A Channel of Superior Standards
Heya TV has redefined Arab women’s television with its upscale and topical programming. Offering an unmatched mix of entertainment, fashion, and social news, the channel boasts rich content that satisfies a wide variety of tastes and interests. From fashion and cooking to home decoration and regional events, Heya TV caters to both the modern and traditional Arab woman, providing programs that are as informative as they are entertaining. Its coverage of social news extends to profiling international public figures and prominent social icons, granting viewers exclusive access to stories that resonate globally and regionally.
Empowering Women Across the Arab World
Broadcasting to an estimated daily audience of 15 million women, Heya TV has successfully bridged the gap between remote villages in Egypt and fashion-forward audiences in Beirut. It offers a platform where Arab women, regardless of their location, can find content that speaks to their aspirations and realities. Whether it’s fashionistas dressed in Prada or homemakers seeking the latest cooking tips, Heya TV connects with viewers through tailored, engaging programs.
Signature Programs and Professional Expertise
One of Heya TV’s flagship programs is Malikat, hosted by the talented Sawsan El Sayed. This program reflects the channel’s commitment to empowering and engaging its audience through content that inspires and informs. The channel’s success is not only attributed to its diverse program profile but also to the expertise of its professional team, including presenters, stylists, editors, and directors who bring unparalleled quality to every broadcast. Another major TV Show that defined the channel is called “Sobhieh” also written as “Sob7ieh” the Arab Morning Show, which showcased many celebrities from Lebanon and Arab world. Check out Sob7ieh Show Photos from their Official Facebook page.
Described as glamorous, gutsy, frank, and intimate, Heya TV embraces a bold approach to addressing women’s issues. It tackles its audience’s concerns with honesty while celebrating their passions and expanding interests. Over the years, the channel has earned a reputation for its superior standards, matching the taste of its upscale audience while remaining accessible to all women in the Arab world.
Redefining Arab Media for Women
Heya TV, launched in 2002, marked a bold step in Arab media as the first satellite channel dedicated solely to Arab women. Nicolas Abou-Samah, the channel’s chief executive, recognized its potential to reach 100 million women across the region, comprising over half of television audiences. His vision was to create a space that reflected the diverse lives of Arab women, providing content that resonated with both career-driven professionals and homemakers, young trendsetters and older traditionalists, religious viewers, and the secular-minded. This inclusivity allowed Heya TV to uniquely position itself as a bridge between disparate communities of women, fostering dialogue and addressing concerns often overlooked by other broadcasters.
At its core, Heya TV was not just entertainment; it was a cultural platform that tackled critical issues affecting women, including domestic violence, honor killings, and interpretations of Islamic law. By addressing such matters alongside lighter topics like fashion, cooking, and home decoration, the channel created a well-rounded approach to women’s interests. Abou-Samah and his team believed in elevating women’s voices and using television as a medium to inspire and engage. The channel’s promotional tagline, “Now there is an address for every Arab woman,” encapsulated this mission, establishing Heya as a sanctuary for women’s stories, aspirations, and struggles in a region where such representation was rare.
Despite operating in a competitive media landscape, Heya TV became a pioneer in addressing gendered public communication. Its success stemmed from its ability to connect with women on multiple levels—personal, cultural, and societal—while also challenging the perception of Arab women as a homogenous group. Abou-Samah’s commitment to inclusivity and his understanding of the complexities of the Arab world ensured that Heya TV would remain a relevant and transformative force in the media, setting a precedent for channels aimed at empowering underrepresented voices.
Rise and Fall of Heya TV
As of February 4, 2019, Heya TV ceased broadcasting on the Eutelsat 7 West A satellite at 10815.08 MHz, Horizontal polarization. This departure indicates that the channel is no longer available via this satellite.
Currently, there is no publicly available information confirming whether Heya TV has resumed operations on other frequencies or platforms. For viewers interested in similar content, Hya TV, a channel focusing on women’s issues, maintains an active presence on YouTube, offering a variety of videos that reflect its programming and focus on women’s issues.
Also note that in the arab world, another tv station started from Egypt operating under the name Hya TV which means the same word in arabic (Her TV), this channel is totally different and has no association with the Lebanese Pan-Arab Heya TV that was known back in 2003.
A Rich Legacy and Community Engagement
Since its inception, Heya TV has positioned itself as the leading up-market television channel for Arab women, capturing the loyalty of 100 million viewers across the region. By delivering rich, topical programs that reflect a deep understanding of its audience, the channel has established itself as the ultimate platform for Arab women, securing its place as a trusted media outlet for personal and social development.
Heya TV extends its impact beyond the television screen through an active digital presence. Viewers can engage with the channel’s content and community through platforms like its vibrant Facebook group. Heya Facebook Group was created on October 15, 2010. These digital social media avenues ensure that Heya TV remains an integral part of its audience’s daily lives, providing inspiration, interaction, and support.
Conclusion
Heya Television is more than just a TV channel; it is a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the identity, ambitions, and achievements of Arab women. By blending rich content with expert production, it continues to serve as a beacon of empowerment and a trusted companion for women across the Arab world. Heya TV’s unique ability to cater to both local and international tastes ensures its place as the ultimate media platform for the modern Arab woman, a position it has proudly held since 2003.
Through its programs, community engagement, and dedication to excellence, Heya TV remains a significant force in the Arab media landscape, addressing the evolving needs of its audience and empowering women to embrace their full potential.