Somaliland National Television (SLNTV, Somali: Telefishanka Qaranka Somaliland) is a Somali television channel.[1] It is the official public service station of the government of Somaliland. Founded in 2005, it broadcasts from the country's capital of Hargeisa via terrestrial transmission, as well as to other parts of Africa and the Middle East, and Europe and Asia through satellite. The channel focuses on general Somali news, particularly items on the regional authorities. It also carries sports, entertainment and humanitarian programs.[citation needed]
Somaliland had its first private television stations in 1997.[2]
SLNTV started broadcasting in 2005, ahead of the parliamentary election held on 29 September. It was the second television station to go on air in Somaliland after Somaliland Television, a commercial television channel. The channel had a limited audience, given that very few people owned a television set.[3] During its first year and a half on air, SLNTV lacked "effective" programs and failed to compete against the private channels.[2] Over time, SLNTV started airing weekly programs primarily aimed at raising awareness of issues as well as announcements and achievements from the government.[2]
During the 2005 election campaign, SLNTV was accused of broadcasting propaganda rather than "even-handed coverage". The Election Board of Monitors rebuked SLNTV over its bias to the ruling party.[3]
