 The Lebanese government granted businessmen Wissam Izzeddine and Alex Moufarrej the first local television license in August 1956, and Compagnie libanaise de Télévision-CLT, which would later be changed to Télé Liban, aired programs for the first time on May 28, 1959, making it the first TV station not only in Lebanon but also in the region.The station was officially launched by General Sleiman Nawfal with the aid of France.The station remained Lebanon's only television station until Télé-Orient obtained its own license in July 1961 and began operating from Hazmieh.