[custom_adv] Manoto is an international free-to-air Persian language general entertainment channel launched in October 2010, owned by Marjan Television Network. It is based in London and its programs include documentaries, films, series, news and reports. [custom_adv] Manoto's funding comes from venture capitalists, according to a 2011 report on human rights and information access in homeland by the Foreign Policy Centre, a UK-based independent think tank. The report did not name the venture capital firms behind the station. [custom_adv] Kayvan and Marjan Abbassi, the UK-based persian couple who launched Manoto 1, in 2010, stay out of the media spotlight. They and other Manoto 1 officials have usually declined to comment for their company and TV channel despite repeated requests for interviews. [custom_adv] Manoto's viewership rates are difficult to determine; however, anecdotal reports about the channel's ubiquitous popularity suggests that it has gained rapidly in market share to rival more established satellite channels like BBC Persian and VOA Persian TV. According to a BBC report in 2008, these channels may be watched by at least 30 percent of households inside homeland. [custom_adv] Befarmaeed Sham (Befarmāid Ŝām) (English: "Come Dine with Me"), is the Iranian version of the original British cooking show Come Dine with Me, in which participants host dinner parties and compete for the title of best cook and entertainer. [custom_adv] For one hour a day, five days a week this prime time magazine-style program, currently produced by Kasra Ghiassi and hosted by Sahar Sagharchi and Shaho Falahi, looks at topical stories from around the world. With some in-depth segments, as well as more light-hearted material, the show attracts big-name persian celebrity guests and a loyal following. [custom_adv] Vahid Mahdavi presenting short reports all around the world and Lola Yeganeh Ameri presenting and producing the fashion content for the live show as well covering fashion, beauty, and culture topics around the world.
