ATV to transmit programs over the Internet

ATV's Managing Director Mohannad Al-Khatib said: "This agreement highlights the fact that today there is an unlimited array of options available to any person or organization to deliver content without any restrictions or interference", adding that this step is not a substitution for the actual broadcast, which was stopped abruptly by the Audio-Visual Commission on the 31st of July, just hours before its official launch. Al Khatib added that ATV's content will continue to be delivered through ikbis.com even after the resumption of its broadcast.

Mr. Ahmed Humeid CEO of Toot and owner of ikbis.com expressed his pleasure to initiate cooperation between ATV and ikbis.com, adding that "Our goal is to provide the best content on the Internet for Arab users around the world, whether this content is produced by the users themselves or by leading professional institutions."

Humeid went on to say that his company would allow ATV to place an unlimited number of programs, including the archival materials and any programs already shown on the television screen, thereby making it available to the audiences at any time. "Many people, especially young people like to see their favorite programs at the time and place they choose; and this is exactly what we intend to offer through this cooperation with ATV."

ATV's Managing Director said that content to be placed initially on ikbis.com will include pre-recorded programs that the channel had intended to air as part of its launch grid. Among these programs is "Yellow Tape", an investigative reporting program presented by Al- Khatib himself. The first episode tackles the issue of medical malpractice in Jordanian hospitals, as well as and the trade between Jordan and Israel. Ikbis.com/atv will also present "WoW", a program that deals with youth issues; "Story From the Papers", a documentary-style program highlighting local success stories, in addition to "Shoo Zaki", an innovative, fast pace cookery show which introduces different dishes in an interesting and attractive way.

The Managing Director of ATV hinted that the channel is currently exploring the possibility of placing a daily half-hour pre-recorded newscast on ikbis.com, adding that: "We want the offer the viewers a flavor of programs which our team spent long hours preparing, and of which we are extremely proud."

Commenting on the on-going delay in allowing the channel to resume its satellite broadcast, Al Khatib said that ATV's management has made repeated plea in that regard, adding that the authorities are still procrastinating even after more than thirty-five days of suspending the channel's satellite broadcast. He said that the excuses being made by the authorities are illogical and puzzling. "This is indeed mind boggling. We have submitted all documents and information requested by the Audio Visual Commission regarding technical issues, such as licenses and frequencies, as well ass information dealing with the content.

The Commission had not only requested us to submit summaries of all of our programs, but went further to ask for the names of all producers and presenters of live shows. This is in my opinion a blatant interference in the content of our programs and can only be interpreted as a form of censorship. This should never be allowed in a civilized country like Jordan. The suspension of the broadcast has caused us great losses, especially that ATV has spent hundreds of thousands of Jordanian Dinars in preparing the Ramadan grid which cannot be marketed at this stag". Al- Khatib questioned the silence of governmental officials. "Where are these officials that preach to us day in and day out about freedom of the press and the importance of having an open and progressive media? Today there are many platforms available to everyone in the world to showcase any material, be it written or televised, over the Internet. Why shouldn't we make use of these platforms especially that they are free of mundane bureaucracy and red tape?" he concluded.

ATV programs can be viewed on www.ikbis.com/atv and will be updated continuously.