DUSHANBE, October 12, Asia-Plus — Tajik side has not yet received appropriate documents for launching a joint Persian-language television station that would broadcast to Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan, Asadullo Rahmonov, Chairman of the State Committee for TV and Radio-broadcasting, remarked at news conference in Dushanbe today.
According to him, leaders of Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan discussed this issue in Dushanbe in July and offered their support of this project ahead of a final agreement. “We hope this project will be implemented,” Asadullo Rahmonov said.
On the children’s TV channel “Bahoriston”, the committee head noted that this channel broadcasting educational and entertainment programs and children’s movies covers some 48.5 percent of Tajikistan’s territory. “In near future, Bahoriston will shift to satellite broadcasts,” said Rahmonov, “The channel “Safina” recently shifted to satellite broadcasts and at present it can been picked up in 50 countries across the world.
He also noted that they are currently working out a project for modernization of Tajik national radio and channel One of Tajik television. “We are negotiating with some Russian companies the issue of supplying TV and radio equipment to Tajikistan,” he said.
Speaking to journalists, Rahmonov noted that professionalism of employees of the Tajik television and radio still leaves much to be desired.
He added that they are preparing a document on making amendments to a memorandum between Tajikistan and BBC, which will determine conditions of the BBC’s services in Tajikistan on FM frequencies. A final version of this document will be submitted for signing to the government, according to him. “Everything depends on preparation of necessary documents by BBC,” said Asadullo Rahmonov, “As soon as they submit all necessary documents to the licensing commission they will acquire a broadcasting license.”
He also noted that the licensing commission recently granted broadcasting licenses to four media, including one radio station and three TV stations. At present, the commission is considering documents of more than ten other companies having applied for license, according to him.
