Palestinian TV Airs in Jericho

JERICHO, West Bank — Palestinian TV completed its first day of broadcasts Tuesday, beaming a test pattern that did not reach much beyond the hotel room where it originated.

But it would have been a contender in the ratings sweepstakes in the five-mile radius from Hisham’s Palace Hotel. Children sat watching the red, black, green and white colors of the Palestinian flag, plus the words Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation, fade in and out.

The fledgling Palestinian effort--which also includes a few newspapers and plans to set up radio broadcasts--is part of the changes seen as crucial to convincing the public that the limited autonomy deal will lead to real independence from Israel.

Newspaper journalist Abdallah abu Sayyam said he doesn’t mind the modest beginnings because he no longer has to submit copy to Israel’s military censor.