# Ariana Television Network

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 by Afghan-American entrepreneur Ehsan Bayat, owner of Afghan Wireless. ATN began broadcasting internationally in 2006 and offers terrestrial coverage in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

## 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 the Dari and Pashto languages and operates 24 hours a day, providing full coverage in all 34 provinces. Ariana FM also offers a livestream option, allowing audiences to listen to radio programs via radio, 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.The network provides programming that includes international arts and culture while offering platforms for Afghan writers, producers, actors, and directors.
The network struggled to continue airing under Taliban control in late 2021. The then head of the network, Sharif Hassanyar, released a public statement at the time on two Kabul journalists who 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." Pressures from the Taliban grew, with some operatives beating journalists who worked for the network. Out of fear for his safety, Hassanyar had fled the country to Pakistan, remaining steadfast in his beliefs against the Taliban. Hassanyar had directed employees inside of the network to broadcast events such as protests against the Taliban. The Taliban then threatened to shut down the network if broadcasts did not cease, leading the head of the network to resign on September 10, 2021. Other managers attempted to follow, but faced arrests and forced resignations by the Taliban in the months following. Due to this pressure, female employees were barred from presenting. Hassanyar would then go ahead to form a watchdog group called the "Afghanistan Freedom of Speech Hub".

## Frequency

Ariana TV Network © LyngSat, last updated 2025-03-07
https://www.lyngsat.com/tvchannels/af/Ariana-TV-Network.html :
| Position | Satellite | Beam EIRP (dBW) | Frequency | System | SR FEC | Video | Lang. | Source |
| 52.5°E | Al Yah 1 | East 51-52 | 11938 H | DVB-S2 8PSK | 27500 3/4 | MPEG-4 HD 1080 | Per | N Stanislav 240131 |
| 52.5°E | Al Yah 1 | East 51-52 | 12015 H | DVB-S2 8PSK | 27500 3/4 | MPEG-4 HD 1080 | Per | N Stanislav 210623 |
| 52.5°E | Al Yah 1 | MENA 0 | 12054 H | DVB-S2 8PSK | 27500 3/4 | MPEG-4 HD 1080 | Per | N Stanislav 250210 |

## Programming

ATN broadcasts a variety of programs that include social, cultural, political, and entertainment content focused on Afghan culture. The network's programming includes 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:
* FIFA U20 World Cup 2013
* FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014
* FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014
* FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015
* FIFA U17 World Cup Chile 2015
* 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
* ICC Champions Trophy 2025
* Pakistan Super League 2025
* Major Cricket League 2025
* Kabul Cricket Premier League 2023
* Afghanistan Football Champions League 2024
* Afghanistan Futsal Premier League (2022, 2023)
* Paris 2024 Olympic Games (2024)
* 2024 Lanka T10 Super League

### 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

To enhance its programming, ATN has established partnerships with global organizations such as FIFA, ICC, IOC, BCCI, ACB, AFF, STAR India, and others.

## Social responsibility and workforce

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 of topics affecting Afghan society.

## Awards and achievements
### 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.

### 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.

### ABU Diversity and Inclusion Media Awards 2024

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

## 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.