ATV, Jordan's first private, independent TV station, begins its official broadcast today. The station will provide its viewers with an array of films, Arabic and foreign dramas, cultural programs and news bulletins. Moreover, the station will cover children programs, family entertainment programs as well as sport shows. ATV will be Jordan's very first time independent news source.
The announcement came in a press conference held at the station’s headquarters yesterday. The press conference was attended by regional and local media personalities and representatives and was followed by a tour of the station's premises.
“It brings me great pleasure to announce today the launch of ATV. This is a historical moment for the media scene in Jordan,” commented Mohammad Alayyan, chairman and founder of ATV as he welcomed the guests.
“I thank everyone who has supported making ATV a reality, especially our dedicated team that has spared no time and effort to bring us to life.”
The 25 million JOD project, which is managed by Mohannad Al Khatib, will utilize state of the art broadcasting technologies and deliver a comprehensive program grid that will offer the Jordanian viewer quality content.
Al-Khatib has been able to bring together the best pool of talent in Jordan and the region to support the coverage of local, regional and international current affairs. Al-Khatib reiterated that 35%-40% of ATV's content will be dedicated to news bulletins.
ATV has created job and training opportunities for Jordanians. It will launch a training center to raise professional standards in journalism. The station has attracted back to Jordan many television professionals who have played major roles in setting up and running stations across the region. Al Khatib added, "As the first country in the area to launch color television, Jordan led the broadcast industry in the past. ATV aims at restoring that role. "
Briefed by the head of departments, the attendees visited Studio two's Gallery, the Ingest room and the news studio.
ATV's set mission is to entertain, inform, and contribute to the development of a professional press culture in the Arab world. By focusing on local affairs as its competitive edge, it will be closer and more relevant to Jordanian viewers. ATV announced earlier this year that it will go public, making it the first satellite station in the Arab world to do so.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
