Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN) (Dari/Pashto: شبکه رادیو تلویزیون آریانا) is a private television network based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The channel was launched in 2005[1] by Afghan-American entrepreneur Ehsan Bayat, the owner of Afghan Wireless. ATN began broadcasting internationally in 2006 and offers terrestrial coverage in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

Bayat Media Center located in Kabul, Afghanistan
Ariana Television and Ariana FM Coverage Map across the country

History

ATN was launched on 17 August 2005 as a private television and radio network based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ariana FM 93.5, the network's radio station, broadcasts in Dari and Pashto languages and operates 24 hours a day, providing full coverage in all 34 provinces. Ariana FM also offers a live stream option, allowing audiences to listen to radio programs via radio, through their website, and via mobile applications.

By 2006, the network began broadcasting internationally. In 2014, ATN underwent rebranding and expanded its operations with the launch of its sister channel, Ariana News. Since its inception, ATN has focused on inclusion and education, aiming to provide a 'Window for a Better Tomorrow." The network provides programming that includes international arts and culture while offering platforms for Afghan writers, producers, actors, and directors.

The network also came under struggles in airing due to Taliban control in late 2021.[2] The then head of the network, Sharif Hassanyar, released a public statement at the time on two Kabul journalists that were held for "unknown reasons" by the Taliban. In his public tweet Hassanyar stated "Finally TB [Taliban] release Aslam Ejab and Waris Hasrat. They were in detention of TB for two nights."[3][4] Pressures grew from outside of the private network by the Taliban, with some operatives beating journalists who worked for the network. Out of fear for his safety, Hassanyar had fled the country to Pakistan, and remained steadfast in his beliefs against the Taliban. Hassanyar had directed employees inside of the private network to broadcast events[5] such as protests against the extremist group. Despite this, the Taliban had threatened to shut down the network if they did not shut down the broadcasts, leading to the head of the network to resign in September 10, 2021. Other managers attempted to follow the footsteps of Hassanyar, however faced arrests and forced resignations by the Taliban in the months following,[6] even going as far as barring the female employees from presenting. Hassanyar would then go ahead to form a watchdog group called the "Afghanistan Freedom of Speech Hub".

ICC World Cup Trophy, 7 September 2023

Programming

ATN broadcasts a variety of programs that include social, cultural, political, and entertainment content focused on Afghan culture. The network offers a diverse array of programming, including educational, health, sports, cultural, news, documentary, magazine shows, talk shows, social and cooking shows, game shows, and children's content. This content is distributed through terrestrial broadcasts, satellite, cable, digital, internet, and IPTV platforms.

Sports programming

ATN broadcasts sports coverage, including Olympic games, football, and cricket, in collaboration with organizations such as FIFA, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF), and STAR India.

Key sports events broadcast by ATN include:

Local production

In addition to sports, ATN broadcasts several widely viewed live in-house production programs:

  • Sobho Zindagi (Live morning show)
  • Ariana News 6PM Pashto Bulletin
  • Ariana News 8PM Dari Bulletin
  • Ariana News 10PM Bulletin
  • Falah Islamic Program
  • Saar - Panel Discussion
  • Tahwol - Panel Discussion

Partnerships and collaborations

ATN has established partnerships with global organizations to enhance its programming. These include collaborations with international media and sports organizations such as FIFA, ICC, IOC, BCCI, ACB, AFF, STAR India and others.[7][8]

Social responsibility and workforce

ATN's community engagement efforts are extensive, leveraging its platform to promote social causes and raise awareness of critical issues. The network has run several public service campaigns on topics such as diabetes, environmental conservation, equal rights for men and women, education, anti-smoking/anti-drug initiatives, ending modern slavery (including forced labor, child slavery, forced and early marriage, debt slavery, and human trafficking), early childhood brain development, and COVID-19 awareness. These initiatives address social issues and promote awareness on topics affecting Afghan society.[9]

Awards and achievements

Ariana Television Network (ATN) received the Asiavision Monthly Award for October 2023 for breaking news coverage.

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asiavision Monthly Award for October 2023

Ariana Television Network (ATN) received the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Asiavision Monthly Award for October 2023, recognizing its excellence in breaking news coverage. The award highlights notable news stories and fosters collaboration among ABU member organizations.[10][11]

ABU Asiavision Awards 2024 - Jury Prize

Ariana Television and Ariana News were awarded the Jury Prize at the 2024 ABU Asiavision Awards for their in-depth coverage of Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan.[citation needed]

ABU Diversity and Inclusion Media Awards 2024

Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN) won the ABU Diversity and Inclusion Media Award in 2024, recognizing its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in media. [12]

Network infrastructure

ATN maintains a broadcast infrastructure that ensures access to its content across Afghanistan. The network's terrestrial and satellite coverage ensures nationwide access and extends to parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. The Bayat Media Center (ATN's headquarter) in Kabul houses facilities for content production and broadcasting.

See also

References

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