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Telstar Satellite Audio Channel Also Broadcasts Persian Programs of Voice of America

Feb 10, 2026 February 10, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

The Telstar 12 satellite audio channel has started broadcasting Persian programs from Voice of America. This service began on July 8, 2003, and aims to provide accessible news and information to Persian-speaking audiences. The initiative is significant as it enhances media diversity for Iranians, especially those seeking alternative viewpoints.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The broadcasting of VOA's Persian programs via satellite enhances media diversity for Iranians seeking independent news.

👥 Key Players

Voice of America (VOA) MENTIONED
U.S. government-funded international broadcaster
"VOA aims to provide news and information to audiences in countries with restricted press freedoms, including Iran."
Telstar 12 Satellite MENTIONED
Satellite used for broadcasting
"It enables the distribution of media content to specific geographic regions, including Iran."

📰 What Happened

The Telstar 12 satellite began broadcasting Persian programs from Voice of America on July 8, 2003. This service aims to provide accessible news and information to Persian-speaking audiences, enhancing media diversity.

  • Broadcasting started on July 8, 2003, at 8 PM Washington time.
  • Programs are transmitted in mono and are aimed at Persian-speaking audiences.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This initiative provides Iranians with access to alternative viewpoints and news, which is crucial in a country with strict media censorship.
🌍 Regional: It may influence public opinion in Iran and potentially affect regional stability by providing alternative narratives.
🌐 International: This reflects U.S. efforts to counteract Iranian state media narratives and promote democratic values.

📚 Background

Iran has a history of media censorship, and many citizens rely on foreign media for unbiased news. The U.S. has long sought to provide alternative information to counter state narratives.

Media censorship in Iran U.S.-Iran relations
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
As a U.S. government-funded broadcaster, VOA aims to provide accurate information, but its content may be viewed as biased by Iranian authorities.

The audio channel of the Telstar 12 satellite has been broadcasting the Persian programs of Voice of America since July 8 (Tir 18) at 8 PM Washington time. The programs are broadcast in mono during all hours that these programs continue and have been previously announced. The specifications of the Telstar 12 channel are as follows: 15 degrees West, Transponder 10, Frequency 12.595 GHz, Polarization Horizontal, Symbol Rate 31829. The PID number and virtual channel will be announced soon. Please, as always, inform us of your opinions regarding the Persian programs of Voice of America, especially concerning the quality of the broadcast.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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