In an effort to fill a gap he thinks current Arab-American newspapers are missing, self-syndicated columnist Ray Hanania is launching a national newspaper, the Arab American Times.

The newspaper will “focus on features, profiles, culture and society of Arabs in America, something I think is needed,” Hanania said.

“It's not intended to compete with any of the existing Arab-American newspapers, many of which are good,” he is quoted as saying in a Wednesday Editor & Publisher article. The newspaper, which will have selected articles translated into Arabic, is intended to show the positive side of community news not only Arab-Americans, but to all Americans who want to better understand the culture.

Distribution points for the free monthly newspaper will be at 600 Arab-American grocery stores in 48 states, Hanania, who published The Middle Eastern Voice from 1975 to 1977 and the Arab American View from 1999 to 2002, told E&P.