Following up on a previous report regarding the intention of the Arab League to institute regulatory measures on satellite TV, RapidTV News now reports that the 22-member Arab League voted in favour of the document at a meeting in Cairo, which stipulates that satellite channels "should not damage social harmony, national unity, public order or traditional values."

Programming should also "conform with the religious and ethical values of Arab society and take account of its family structure." Channels should "refrain from broadcasting anything which calls into question God, the monotheistic religions, the prophets, sects or symbols of the various religious communities."

Broadcasters should avoid "erotic or obscene material" or programmes that "encourage smoking or the consumption of alcohol," the latter prohibited by Islam. They should also "protect Arab identity from the harmful effects of globalisation."

Read more at RapidTVNews.