New Satellite Doubles Potential Audience

Satellite dishes in Iran
Photo: Flickr/SAT-7 (c)

A Persian Christian television channel, SAT-7 PARS, is now live on a platform called "Yahsat," one of the most viewed satellite platforms in Iran. Attracting an estimated ten million viewing households in the country, Yahsat provides a focussed high-power beam specifically covering the countries of Iran and Afghanistan. It also requires a much smaller, cheaper and less-conspicuous dish than would typically be required for other satellites.

Furthermore, the quality and variety of Farsi-speaking channels offered by Yahsat has made it an increasingly popular choice for families. "This has been our dream for several years as Yahsat is an increasingly popular satellite with Iranians, and it will enable us to interact with a whole new audience in Iran and other parts of Central Asia," explains the Christian channel's Senior Manager, Panayiotis Keenan.

"By broadcasting on Yahsat, we have a whole new viewership; industry data indicates that it probably doubles the number of potential viewers for SAT-7 PARS in Iran," further explains SAT-7 Founder and CEO, Dr. Terence Ascott. "In addition, there are no other Christian channels on this satellite, and so this is actually quite a unique and special opportunity for us."

The SAT-7 PARS channel has been broadcasting for ten years to a wide audience -- reaching viewers in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, the rest of the Middle East, Europe, and via online to Farsi-speakers around the world. Its positive, politically and culturally sensitive Christian programming has won the trust of many viewers in the region.

  • Current Ministry Fund

    By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    87,590,873 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

    Leader
    Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iran

    As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

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