Marjan Television Network
London-based Persian-language television production and broadcasting company
| Marjan Television Network Ltd | |
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| Founded | 2009 |
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| Defunct | 2024 |
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| Industry | Television production and broadcasting |
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Marjan Television Network Ltd was a London-based television production and broadcasting company established in 2009 to develop Persian-language television content for audiences primarily in Iran and the Iranian diaspora.[1]
The company was best known as the original operating and production entity behind the Persian-language satellite television channel Manoto.[2]
History
Marjan Television Network Ltd was founded in 2009 by Kayvan Abbassi and Marjan Abbassi, a UK-based Iranian couple.[3]
The company was established as a platform to develop and launch Persian-language television channels, producing entertainment, documentary, and cultural programming aimed at Persian-speaking audiences worldwide.[4]
Operating from London, the company maintained a low public profile, and its founders and senior executives generally declined media interviews.[5]
Manoto
The company’s primary project was Manoto, a Persian-language satellite television channel launched in 2010.[6]
The channel gained significant viewership inside Iran and among the Iranian diaspora, broadcasting entertainment shows, documentaries, talent competitions, and acquired international formats adapted for Persian audiences.[7]
Manoto temporarily suspended operations in 2023 amid financial and operational challenges.[8]
Liquidation and successor
In 2024, Marjan Television Network Ltd entered formal liquidation under UK insolvency proceedings.[9][10]
As part of the restructuring process, Manoto's brand assets, archives, and broadcasting activities were transferred to WizeWorx Media, which relaunched the channel under new ownership and management.[11][12][13][14]
Directors and known staff
| Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kayvan Abbassi | Co-founder and Director | UK-based Iranian entrepreneur |
| Marjan Abbassi | Co-founder and Director | UK-based Iranian entrepreneur |
See also
Notes
- ↑ Reuters, London TV channel dips a toe into Iran culture war Reuters, 18 April 2012 (archived).
- ↑ Manoto TV, About Us Manoto TV, 30 November 2010 (archived).
- ↑ The Guardian, Iranian satellite TV from London The Guardian, 2011.
- ↑ Marjan Television Network, Marjan TV Network homepage Marjan Television Network, 7 August 2011 (archived).
- ↑ Financial Times, Inside London’s Persian TV scene Financial Times, 2013.
- ↑ Reuters, Manoto TV launches Reuters, 2010.
- ↑ Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, [Satellite television and cultural consumption in Iran] Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, 2015.
- ↑ BBC Persian, Manoto TV shuts down operations BBC Persian, 2023.
- ↑ UK Companies House, Marjan Television Network Ltd – Filing history Companies House, accessed 2 January 2026.
- ↑ The Gazette (UK), Notice of liquidation The Gazette, 2024.
- ↑ BBC Persian, Persian-language broadcaster Manoto resumes operations under new ownership BBC Persian, 2024.
- ↑ Al-Monitor, Manoto TV returns after shutdown Al-Monitor, 2024.
- ↑ Middle East Eye, Manoto TV relaunches under new company Middle East Eye, 2024.
- ↑ Deutsche Welle, Iranian diaspora channel returns Deutsche Welle, 2024.