ATV, Jordan's first private, independent TV station, is to begin its official broadcast today (August 1).

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’s programmes, family entertainment, as well as sports shows. ATV will be Jordan's very first time independent news source, said a statement.

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 the launch of ATV. This is a historical moment for the media scene in Jordan,” Mohammad Alayyan, chairman and founder of ATV, told a press conference in Amman.

“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 JOD25 million ($35.288 million) project, which is managed by Mohannad Al Khatib,  will utilise 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 per of ATV's content will be dedicated to news bulletins.

ATV has created job and training opportunities for Jordanians. It will also launch a training center to raise professional standards in journalism. –TradeArabia News Service