Bayat Media Center Inauguration Celebrates New National Legacy For Afghanistan's Communication, Community, and Technological Innovation; Investment In The Nation's Connected Future By Afghans For Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and Ariana Television & Radio Network's (ATN) Chief Executive Officer Ehsanollah Bayat welcomed more than one hundred high-level members of Afghanistan's Cabinet, Parliamentarians, official dignitaries, and international representatives to the inauguration of The Bayat Media Center on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 in Kabul.

The 5-floor Media Center is the region's largest and most modern television and radio broadcasting facility, and will also serve as the national headquarters for Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) and the Bayat Foundation. A highly visible investment in Afghanistan's economic future, the Media Center will serve as a national legacy of Afghanistan's information, communication, and technological innovation and leadership.

Comprising more than 77,000 square feet, the Media Center features 7 television studios; 8 radio / audio recording studios; 2 editing and voiceover studios; and a 250-seat theatre with state of the art video and audio technology for live television and radio performances. These world-class production and broadcast facilities will further position Ariana Television and Radio to provide Afghanistan with a unified national voice, a collaborative digital community, and a regional platform that will once again activate Afghanistan's leadership role in Central Asian media. Employing double-glazed glass paneling to maximize use of natural sunlight, extensive LED lighting, solar powered water heaters, and an innovative independent water treatment / recycling system, the Media Center is also among Afghanistan's most energy efficient and "green" buildings.

According to Ehsanollah Bayat, "The Bayat Media Center is far more than a world-class building; it is a new national legacy of information, communication, and technological innovation led by Afghans, for all Afghans. We have overcome so many challenges throughout our country's history, and we have seen the ability of Afghan citizens from all part of our nation to unite, rebuild, strengthen, and move our nation forward. Thus, it's my privilege to have President Karzai join me in opening this new "window to the world" for our nation, and my honor to demonstrate to everyone around the globe that Afghanistan's future is bright and full of opportunity."

In offering his congratulations, President Karzai remarked, "I am proud of the work of one of our own. In this beautiful, modern, and state of the art building, I see the hard work of fellow Afghans investing in the advancement of our nation and its people. It is a great joy to see this facility full of educated and experienced young Afghan professionals all working together for the betterment of our country. This new Center not only stands to serve the people of our great nation for future generations, but also sets a high standard and example for all who work towards building and advancing Afghanistan. This inauguration celebrates what has been achieved totally by our own: our own business capital, effort, hard work and dedication to Afghanistan and its people. This is truly a testament to the a future created by Afghans, for Afghans."

President Karzai and Ehsan Bayat also used the occasion to formally launch ATN News, a new television and radio network that will bring ATN's broadcast complement to two national television and two national radio channels. ATN News will feature a diversified programming package of national and regional news, with emphasis on balanced political, economic, and regional analysis and commentary.

Drawing upon the considerable news gathering capabilities of ATN's regional news production studios located in Herat, Mazar, Jalalabad and, soon, Kandahar, ATN News will bring viewers a truly national perspective to the critical day-to-day issues in the country's north, south, east, and west, and allow all Afghans – regardless of location or language – to learn about the issues facing the nation and the rich opportunity for a unified Afghanistan to grow and prosper. And, to augment the news reporting, ATN News will also feature innovative weather and sports content as well.

About Ariana Television and Radio Network

Founded by Mr. Ehsanollah Bayat in 2005, Ariana Television and Radio (ATN) are the largest private media channels in Afghanistan, covering 33 of 34 provinces and reaching over 25,000,000 Afghans. ATN is also available via satellite to Dari and Pashto speaking viewers throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East, and North America. Focusing on information, content and entertainment, ATN programming places particular emphasis on education, health, children's programming, women's and world issues, and the ATN team takes great pride in broadcasting accurate, unbiased news to the audience as events occur.

ATN's goal since launch has been one of inclusion and education, providing a "Window for a Better Tomorrow". With a broadcast complement of two national television and two national radio channels (ATN and ATN News), our goal is to expose our radio and television audiences to the best of international arts & culture from around the world, while also expanding opportunities for local writers, producers, actors, and directors within Afghan communities. Programs can be accessed via the ATN website, www.arianatelevision.com or via the HotBird and GlobeCast satellites.

About Afghan Wireless

Founded by Ehsanollah Bayat and headquartered in Kabul, Afghan Wireless (AWCC) – a joint venture between Telephone Systems International, Inc. (TSI) and the Ministry of Communications serving over 4,000,000 subscribers throughout Afghanistan. Employing over 5,500 people directly and another 100,000 indirectly, Afghan Wireless is one of the largest employers in all of Afghanistan, and is a leader in delivering wireless and broadband communication solutions to residential and business customers. Additional information is available at www.afghan-wireless.com.

About the Bayat Foundation

Since 2005, the Bayat Foundation, a 501 c(3) charitable organization, has promoted the well-being of the Afghan people. Founded and directed by Ehsan Bayat and Fatema Bayat, the Foundation has contributed to more than 200 projects dedicated to improving the quality of life for the youth, women, poor, and elderly of Afghanistan. Projects have included the construction of new facilities and sustainable infrastructure in needy regions, and the promotion of health, education, economic, and cultural programs. For more information, please email [email protected].

CONTACT: Montgomery Simus, [email protected] [phone]

SOURCE: Bayat Foundation

http://www.bayatfoundation.org/