Television started broadcasting in 1985. Broadcasters include government-owned Nepal Television (NT), which has two channels, and private broadcasters Nepal One, Shangri-La, and Space Time Network. All private broadcasters have experienced financial losses and content restrictions. Foreign programs can be accessed via satellite or cable. Statistics on viewership are not available, but less than 15 percent of the population appear to have access.
Television launched as a project under the sixth development plan (1980-1985) with the slogan “Communication for Development”. Its mission statement was “Produce and telecast programs on educational, religious and cultural conservation to promote national unity, conserve heritage and promote national interest”. It was part of a research project to study the feasibility of establishing television to ascertain if this was economically and technically possible. NT had a monopoly for over 15 years.