| Somali National Television | |
| Founded: | 17 August 1983 4 April 2011 (re-launch) |
| Location City: | Mogadishu |
| Location Country: | Somalia |
| Area Served: | Somalia & abroad (satellite) |
| Industry: | Broadcasting |
| Owner: | Federal Government of Somalia |
| Website: | https://sntv.so/ |
Somali National Television (SNTV) (Somali: Telefishinka Qaranka Soomaaliyeed, abbreviated TQS) is the national television station of Somalia.
The first regular TV services began in Somalia on 17 August 1983,[1] [2] with funds obtained from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates with service in two languages (in Somali and Arabic) two hours daily and three hours on Fridays and holidays, ceasing its operation during the civil war.[3] Before its launch, the Ministry of Information and National Guidance set plans for two transmitters: 100 watts and 500 watts respectively.[4]
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).[5] During the Siad Barre government, reception was limited to Mogadishu and its surroundings.[6]
On March 18, 2011, the Ministry of Information of the Transitional Federal Government began experimental broadcasts of the new television channel. After a 20-year hiatus, the station was shortly thereafter officially re-launched on April 4, 2011.[7]
SNTV broadcasts 24 hours a day, and can be viewed both within Somalia and abroad via terrestrial and satellite platforms.[8]
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.