German TV Channel RTL2 launches Ramadan Program

Press TV, Wed, 11 Aug 2010, 02:20:04 GMT

German television channel RTL2 said Tuesday it was launching a special service for Muslim viewers during Ramadan, letting them know when to begin and end the daily fast.

"You can theorize all you like about integration, but we wanted to send a clear signal," Carsten Molings, head of marketing at the channel, said in a statement.

"RTL2 makes programs for all people and followers of all religions. Just as every year we reflect Christmas and Easter in our programming, we wanted to do the same for Ramadan," Molings said.

Muslims observing Ramadan fast between sunrise and sunset. RTL2 will show a message on the screen at these times, reported AFP.

The holy month was expected to start on Wednesday throughout much of the world or a day later, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon the night before.

The Central Council for Muslims in Germany (ZMD), representing Germany's roughly four million believers, welcomed RTL2's decision.

ZMD general secretary Aiman Mazyek said in a statement that "actions like this are an example to all."

NM/MGH/MMA

Fair Use Notice

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.