Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN) (Dari/Pashto: شبکه رادیو تلویزیون آریانا) is a private television network based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The channel was launched by Afghan-American Ehsan Bayat (owner of Afghan Wireless) in 2005 and started broadcasting internationally the following year. ATN is one of the leading television channels in Afghanistan and has terrestrial coverage in all 34 provinces in the country.
 | |
| Country | Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Worldwide |
| Headquarters | Kabul |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Dari, Pashto |
| Picture format | HDTV 1080i |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Ehsan Bayat |
| Sister channels | Ariana News, Ariana FM 93.5 |
| History | |
| Launched | 17 August 2005 |
| Links | |
| Website | www.arianatelevision.com www.ariana.fm |
| Availability | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Normal antenna | 46 UHF (Kabul) 49 UHF (Kandahar) 55 UHF (Herat) 51 UHF (Mazar-i-Sharif) 52 UHF (Kunduz) 47 UHF (Jalalabad) 45 UHF (Taloqan) 53 UHF (Puli Khumri) 49 UHF (Ghazni) 55 UHF (Khost) |
| Streaming media | |
| Service(s) | TV, Radio, Digital |
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History
editAriana Radio & Television Network (ATN) was launched on 17 August 2005 as a private television and radio network based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The radio, Ariana FM 93.5 broadcasts in Dari, and Pashto languages and operates 24 hours a day with full coverage in all 34 provinces. Ariana FM also offers a live stream option, enabling audiences to listen to radio programs via radio, website and mobile applications.
By 2006, the network began broadcasting internationally, establishing itself as a significant media presence. In 2014, ATN underwent rebranding and expanded its operations with the introduction of its sister channel, Ariana News. ATN’s goal since launch has been one of inclusion and education, providing a “Window for a Better Tomorrow” while exposing our radio and television audiences to the best of international arts & culture from around the world, we also expand opportunities for local writers, producers, actors, and directors within Afghan communities.
Programming
editATN 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
editATN provides extensive sports coverage, particularly in football and cricket, through partnerships with international 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 the STAR India. Key sports events broadcast by ATN include:
- FIFA U20 World Cup 2013
- FIFA U17 World Cup 2013
- FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014
- FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015
- FIFA U20 World Cup 2015
- FIFA U17 World Cup Chile 2015
- FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016
- FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016
- FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016
- FIFA World Cup Russia 2018
- Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019
- FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021
- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
- FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 (Uzbekistan)
- ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup 2021
- DP World International League 2022
- Indian Premier League (IPL) (2022, 2023, 2024)
- ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023
- ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024
- Afghanistan Cricket Premier League 2018
- Kabul Cricket Premier League 2023
- Afghanistan Football Champions League 2024
- Afghanistan Futsal Premier League (2022, 2023)
- Paris 2024 Olympic Games (2024)
- 2024 Rallye du Maroc
- 2024 World Judo Juniors Championships
- 2024 Judo Grand Prix Zagreb
Local Production
editIn 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
editATN 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.[1][2]
Social Responsibility and Workforce
editATN'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 reflect ATN's commitment to using its influence for the greater good, fostering positive change and development in Afghan society.[3]
Awards and Achievements
edit- 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 is presented to the best news story of the month and promotes quality journalism and international cooperation across ABU's 52 full member organizations in 39 countries.[4][5]
Ariana Television Network (ATN) received the Asiavision Monthly Award for October 2023 for breaking news coverage.
- 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.
Ariana Television and Ariana News received the Jury Prize at the 2024 ABU Asiavision Awards. 
Ariana Television and Ariana News received the Jury Prize at the 2024 ABU Asiavision Awards.
- 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.
Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN) received the ABU Diversity and Inclusion Media Award in 2024.
Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN) received the ABU Diversity and Inclusion Media Award in 2024.
Network Infrastructure
editAriana Radio & Television Network (ATN) operates a comprehensive broadcast infrastructure across Afghanistan. The network's terrestrial and satellite coverage ensures nationwide access and extends to parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. ATN's Bayat Media Center in Kabul is equipped with advanced technology for content production and broadcasting.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ ABU's ATN page
- ^ ICC Cricket World Cup official broadcasters
- ^ Modern Slavery - An in-depth look at how this crime affects the people of Afghanistan
- ^ Voice of Afghan. "ATN wins Asiavision Monthly Award for quake coverage"
- ^ Pasifika TV. "Asia Vision Awards 2024 celebrate the best of ABU's international news exchange"