Somali National Television (SNTV) (, abbreviated TQS) is the state media television station owned by Federal Government of Somalia.
History Telefishanka J. D. Soomaaliya The first regular TV services began in Somalia on 17 August 1983, with funds obtained from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates with programmes in two languages (in Somali and Arabic) for two hours daily and three hours on Fridays and holidays, ceasing its operation during the civil war. Before its launch, the Ministry of Information and National Guidance set plans for two transmitters: 100 watts and 500 watts respectively.
Initially it was known as Telefishanka J.D. Soomaaliya (Television of the Somali D.R.). Not much further information from this phase exists. Somalian journalist Axmed Siciid had a news program on the channel in its beginnings called Todobaadkii Hore Iyo Aduunka (The Past Week and Around the World). During the Siad Barre government, reception was limited to Mogadishu and its surroundings. The station broadcast on VHF channel 6, three hours per evening (four on Fridays).
During the interim, the facilities were taken over on 27 April 2002 by Artan Ali Warsame to the Ministry of Information of the transitional administration.Somalia: Interim government officially takes over former national TV station. (2002, Apr 28). BBC Monitoring Africa - Political
Re-launch On March 18, 2011, the Ministry of Information of the Transitional Federal Government began experimental broadcasts of the new television channel. SNTV used the Thaicom satellite at relaunch time, the same one as private stations like Universal TV, Somali Channel and Horn Cable TV.Somalia: Government launches test transmission of national television. (2011, Mar 17). BBC Monitoring Africa After a 20-year hiatus, the station was shortly thereafter officially re-launched on April 4, 2011.After 20 years, Somali president inaugurates national TV station
SNTV broadcasts 24 hours a day, and can be viewed both within Somalia and abroad via terrestrial and satellite platforms.Somalia launches national TV
Somali National Television is the principal public service broadcaster in Somalia. Headquartered in Mogadishu, the nation's capital, its main responsibility is to provide public service broadcasting throughout the country.
SNTV is regulated by the Ministry of Information, Posts & Telecommunication of the Somali Council of Ministers.
In 2021, Finnish NGO Vikes assisted in training for new children's programs and the improving of SNTV's equipment.
Even with the 20-year hiatus, SNTV still considers 1983 to be the year of its establishment. In 2022, it held a special ceremony for the 39th anniversary of the channel.SNTV Celebrates 39th Anniversary
On February 9, 2025, SNTV inaugurated its new studios, built with help from Italian cooperation agency CIMIC.New studios at Somali National TV, thanks to Italian cooperation Later, on July 18, SNTV's satellite reception was improved following the opening of the Media Satellite Teleport.Somalia Launches First Media Satellite Teleport in 35 Years
SNTV Daljir In 2021, SNTV2 started broadcasting. The channel devotes its schedule mainly to human interest topics. This was replaced by SNTV Daljir, on November 23, 2022, created to counter Al-Shabaab propaganda.
Ban in Somailland According to reports from Garowe Online's Twitter account, the Information Minister of Somaliland had banned SNTV from being beamed into households in Somaliland as of June 2019.Somaliland reportedly bans Somali National Television. (2019, Jun 25). BBC Monitoring Media
See also Radio Mogadishu Media of Somalia Shabelle Media Network Somali Broadcasting Corporation Somaliland National TV Horn Cable Television Universal Television (Somalia)
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References After 20 years, Somali president inaugurates national TV station Somalia launches national TV
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