Hungary

[HU] Plans on Launching a New TV Channel in Romania

IRIS 2004-4:1/23

Francisco Javier Cabrera Blázquez

European Audiovisual Observatory

The Hungarian Information Technology Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office have provided financing (EUR 1.2 million) to launch a new Hungarian-language television channel in Transylvania. At this preparatory stage, the channel has three potential titles: Karpatia Television, Transylvanian Hungarian Television or Bar

According to plans, the Channel may be launched at the end of 2004. In accordance with Romanian law, the Channel may not be considered as a public service channel as it will not receive Romanian government funding. It is intended that the Channel shall receive Hungarian public money for about two or three years, and shall be financially self-sustaining afterwards.

The Channel's programming will be produced and edited exclusively in Romania by ethnic Hungarians.