The first regular TV services began in Somalia on 17 August 1983,[1][2] with funds obtained from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates with service in two languages (in Somali and Arabic) two hours daily and three hours on Fridays and holidays, ceasing its operation during the civil war.

Somalian journalist Axmed Siciid had a news program on the channel in its beginnings called Todobaadkii Hore Iyo Aduunka (The Past Week and Around the World).

[7] On March 18, 2011, the Ministry of Information of the Transitional Federal Government began experimental broadcasts of the new television channel.

[8] SNTV broadcasts 24 hours a day, and can be viewed both within Somalia and abroad via terrestrial and satellite platforms.

Headquartered in Mogadishu, the nation's capital, its main responsibility is to provide public service broadcasting throughout the country.