Jordan's ATV goes public.

Since being established in 2004, Jordanian terrestrial and satellite TV company ATV has continued to make headlines. ATV was established as a limited liability entity, and became Jordan's first privately-owned terrestrial and satellite company.

But earlier this year, the company announced that it would go public, becoming the first Arab channel in the region to do so. According to ATV chairman Mohammed Alayyan, the move is part of an effort to enable viewers to play decisive roles in the station.

Of course, it will be easier for viewers to contribute once the channel actually begins its full-time launch. Mohannad Al-Khatib, Managing Director of ATV, has said the news room is 95 percent ready and the news studio is technically ready for broadcast. In the meantime, ATV has been piloting broadcasts for six and half hours per day, comprising main newscasts and a number of live and recorded programs.

Regarding ATV's much-awaited launch, Al Khatib explained that such delays are normal in a project of this size, due to the project's large and complex infrastructure. He also added that many similar media projects have faced delays but reiterated that this one is in its final stages.

ATV's mission is to entertain, inform, and contribute to the development of a professional press culture in the Arab world by focusing on local affairs.