TVN (Panamanian TV network)

Televisora Nacional

Broadcast area	Panama
Programming
Picture format	1080i HDTV
Ownership
Owner	Televisora Nacional S.A. (TVN Media)
Sister channels	TVMAX
History
Launched	April 23, 1962
Links
Website	www.tvn-2.com
Availability
Terrestrial
Analog VHF	Channel 2 (listings may vary)
Digital UHF	Channel 45

Televisora Nacional, also known as TVN is a television network headquartered in Panama City, Panama, with repeaters throughout the country. The stations broadcast in the NTSC format and DVB-T for Panama City. In DVB-T format it was the only TV station in HD for most of the day and they also broadcast in a sub-channel two hours behind programming from the main channel(DVB-T only), being the first TV station to have this service.

Main programming consists of local news, telenovelas, and Panamanian reality shows called Produccion Nacional (national productions). TVN rarely broadcasts sports, however, they launched sister station TV Max channel 9 to specialize in those programs.

History

With help and participation from state-owned and foreign companies, the National Television and Radio System (Sistema Nacional de Radio y Televisión) was awarded a license in 1957, with help from local entrepreneurs and broadcasts officially commenced on April 23, 1962. Its commercial name at the time was Tevedos. The station had technical support from ABC International Television Inc.^[1] with a heavy emphasis on musical shows and American imports.^[2] It broadcast from 2pm to midnight, having a half-hour news bulletin at 10pm.^[3]

In 1967, a mobile unit was acquired, thus allowing the expansion of live events and shows seen on TVN, like El Show del Mediodía, La Lotería and horse races from the Presidente Remón horse track.

In 1969, when the country was starting to use satellite TV technology, TVN was amongst the first to air the Apollo Moon landings. In 1972, it became the first channel in the country to air in color.

In 1978, TVN transmitted their first FIFA World Cup, but on delay; rival RPC had the rights to air it live.

Regular programming

The channel mainly broadcasts telenovelas and news. TVN has a separate news division under the name of "TVN Noticias", which publishes daily news content to its website and to its television news programs.

Location

Current main offices and studios are located in Vía Ricardo J. Alfaro, Panama City, Panama, better known as Tumba Muerto, sharing installations with FETV (Panama), and sister channel TVMax.^[4] TVN was formerly located alongside the Vía Transistmica, and had a studio alongside Avenida Balboa called Teatro ASSA.

References

1. Rivera Ralker, 2000, p.65
2. Del Vasto, 2007, p.68
3. Fábrega Atehortua, 1984, p.83
4. "'Medcom' y 'TVN' dan la mano a 'Fetv' | la Prensa Panamá". 27 July 2007.

External links

• TVN-2 official website