The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) state TV officially launched the Hispan TV, a Spanish-language satellite TV channel, the local satellite Press TV reported. Hispan TV went on air on December 21, 2011, covering a wide range of news, educational and scientific programs, said the report. Hispan TV, to be broadcasted from the IRIB studios in Tehran, seeks to strengthen cultural bonds and proximity with Spanish- speaking nations and introduce Iranian traditions and customs by broadcasting various programs round the clock, according to Press TV. Hispan TV is the third specialized channel broadcasting by IRIB after the Arabic language Al-Alam television network and the round- the-clock Press TV English news network.