Here it stands JRTV Amman 2 a testament to Jordan’s broadcasting history. Did you know it all began in black and white?
Television transmission in Jordan started in April 1968. JRTV Amman 2 began with just one studio. It only broadcasted three hours of programming. Back then it was known as JTV Jordan Television Corporation.
In 1970 JTV became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union. This was a huge step forward. In 1972 JTV launched Channel 2. It was the first station in the region to do so. Channel 2 focused on foreign programs. It even had a news bulletin in English.
By 1974 JTV was transmitting in full color. They used the PAL-B system. In 1975 transmission expanded to cover the entire Kingdom. Ghada Haddadin was the first face of JTV. Later Hala Kharouba hosted the English channel from 1987. French news also began in 1978.
Then in 1985 something big happened. Jordan Radio and Jordan Television merged. This created the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation JRTV. The Amra Satellite Earth Station followed in 1988. It connected to Eutelsat Intelsat and Arabsat satellites.
In 1993 the Jordan Satellite Channel was launched. Channel 3 arrived in 1998. It broadcast parliamentary sessions and sports.
The corporation restructured in 2001. Channels 1 and 2 combined into one main channel. Channel 2 then specialized in sports. Channel 3 partnered with the private sector. It offered a morning cartoon channel. The evening featured the Jordan Movie Channel.
Today JRTV operates three television channels. It also runs four radio stations. These services reach across the country. Jordanian Radio is a general national station. Radio Amman FM focuses on Amman. Radio Jordan broadcasts in English and French. There is also Holy Quran Radio. The main JRTV channel is Al-Urdunniyya. You can even stream it live online.
JRTV has broadcasted many foreign programs. These include dramas comedies and children’s shows. Remember shows like “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.” and “Miami Vice”? How about cartoons like “The Flintstones”?
JRTV Amman 2 has been broadcasting for many years. It is a part of Jordan’s story. From black and white beginnings to today’s satellite channels it has changed with the times. It continues to provide news entertainment and information to people across Jordan and beyond.