Al Jazeera Arabic launched on the Freeview platform at noon Thursday, becoming both the first foreign language service to debut on UK DTT, and the first standard definition channel to use MPEG-4.

It means the Doha-based channel will only be available to audiences that have opted for HD reception equipment.

The channel is carried on the new digital terrestrial multiplexes awarded to Arqiva in 2013.

Estimates suggest that by June 2014 approximately 3.2 million Freeview HD households across the UK will have access to Al Jazeera Arabic bringing its total reach in the UK to more than 6 million households.

Dr Mostefa Souag, Acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network said: “As the major Arabic language outlet broadcasting various perspectives on current events from the Arab world, we are delighted to be able to reach more viewers in the UK through Freeview. We believe that there is a growing demand by audiences that understand Arabic in the UK for in-depth analysis and reporting, which we have bringing to our viewers for the past 17 years. The inclusion of Al Jazeera Arabic on Freeview has doubled its access to viewers in the UK market, which is a necessary step forward for our global presence.”

Guy North, Marketing Communications Director at Freeview commented: “The addition of Al Jazeera Arabic extends the global news perspective available on Freeview and brings viewers even more subscription-free news content.”

Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera English HD which were launched on Freeview in November 2013.