Israel has approved the license for an Arabic language cable and satellite channel which is expected to go on air in January next year. The license was given to the Hala TV group that has both Arab and Israeli partners. The channel will be available for free through cable and satellite outlets and if it request it can also be made available through Idan+ digital broadcast service. Joseph Atrash chief executive officer said the company has been working on pilot programs for several months. Efforts to set up an Arabic channel began in 2009. Currently the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Council is preparing tenders for two more channels, a news channel and a Jewish content channel.