The BBC is to launch a new television channel in Iran.
The new Farsi TV channel will be editorially independent, but will receive £15 million a year in funding from the British Government.
The channel is expected to begin broadcasting in early 2008, operating from London, and will be available to anyone with satellite or cable television.
Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced that the Government would fund the news and information service, to be run by the World Service.
BBC World Service director Nigel Chapman said: "The BBC's Persian radio and online services are wellrespected by Iranians, especially by opinion-formers.
"In Iran we are regarded as the most trusted and objective of all international broadcasters. I am delighted the BBC Farsi television service proposal has been given the go-ahead."
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