BBC claims Persian TV service being 'jammed' in Iran

The satellites used to broadcast the BBC's Persian television signal to Iran are being 'jammed' from within the country, the broadcaster has claimed, following its coverage of the Egyptian protests.

The BBC in a statement says it believes the close work between the BBC Persian and Arabic TV services to broadcast rolling news from Egypt prompted the jamming, which began on Thursday evening.

"Other programmes that may have caused concern within Iran include a broadcast yesterday where the BBC's Persian and Arabic services joined together for a special interactive show in which Iranian and Egyptian callers exchanged views," the release adds.

The electronic jamming of the satellites used by the BBC in the Middle East has been traced by satellite technicians to within Iran, the BBC said.

Director of global news Peter Horrocks said the interference should stop "immediately".

"The events in Egypt are being viewed by the entire world and it is wrong that our significant Iranian audience is being denied impartial news and information from BBC Persian TV.

"This is a regional story that Persian TV has been covering thoroughly and it is clear from our audience feedback that Iranian people want to know what is happening in Egypt.

"The BBC will not stop covering Egypt and it will continue to broadcast to the Iranian people."

Since BBC Persian television launched in 2009 it has claimed to have suffered similar interference with its signal.

The service continues to stream live online, the release adds.

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