Recognizing the economic potential of commercial broadcasting, Sabet offered to finance the project using private capital. His proposal appealed to government officials because it eliminated the need for substantial public investment while allowing television broadcasting to begin much sooner than originally anticipated.
The government accepted Sabet’s proposal and began preparing the necessary legal framework for private television broadcasting.
Legal Authorization
To provide a legal basis for television broadcasting, the National Assembly passed legislation in July 1959. The law consisted of a single article accompanied by four explanatory notes.
According to the legislation, a television transmitter could legally be established in Tehran under the supervision of the Ministry of Posts, Telegraphs, and Telephones. The law granted the new television station a five-year exemption from taxes to encourage investment and reduce operating costs during its formative years.
