ATN Bangla turns 20

Culture DeskATN Bangla, the first satellite channel in Bangladesh marks its twentieth founding anniversary today. The channel started airing through South Asia from July 15, 1997. On the occasion of this day the channel will telecast special editions of magazine programme "Pach Foron," regular programme "Amra Korbo Joy", musical programme "Bhalobashar Gaan" featuring Dr Mahfuzur Rahman and a documentary named "Ami Tomaderi Lok." While the regular schedule has been stalled for today, some special editions of regular programmes like the ones mentioned will be aired as usual.
ATN Bangla transformed into digital media from analogue media in May, 1999, becoming digital channel in Bangladesh. The channel started airing regular news from 2001 and started airing news every hour from 2003. It has won a number of international awards including the Emmy Awards of United States. This award known as the Oscar of small screen was delivered on November 22, 2004 for an episode of the channel's regular programme "Amrao Pari." In this episode a documentary by 18 teenagers featured a true story of how a nine-year old prevented a major train disaster. The award was given in the International Children's Day of Broadcasting Award category.
ATN Bangla's other hauls include UN Correspondents' Association (UNCA) award for the years 2012 and 2013, Asian Broadcaster of the Year (2012), the regional award from Asia and a number of Meena Awards.