DUSHANBE, June 19, Asia-Plus  -- TV channel Simoi Mustaqili Tojikiston, SMT (Independent Television of Tajikistan), is marking the first anniversary of its functioning.  SMT went on the air in Dushanbe and nearby districts on June 18, 2007.

On this occasion, the SMT senior representatives are giving a press conference at Tajik Journalists’ Union in Dushanbe on June 20.  

According to the SMT director Zinatullo Ismoilov, the TV channel SMT is dedicated to promote development of democratic reforms in country, creation of free tribune for expressing different views and proposals, as well as coverage of political, economic, social, and sports life of the country.

The TV channel SMT airs eight hours per day and it can be viewed by the population of Dushanbe as well as Roudaki, Vahdat, Hissor, and Shahrinav districts.  The cannel broadcasts can also be picked up by some 50 percent of the population of the Varzob and Yovon districts.

Over the past year, the channel has managed to shoot and present two movies: “Benazir” and “Ishtiboh” (Mistake).

The limited liability company Simoi Mustaqili Tojikiston was registered with the Ministry of Justice on August 8, 2006.