23-08-2009

Romanian TV channels prepare to launch

By Iulia Blaga
    Romania will see the launch of three local channels by the end of 2009 and satellite channel Vox News in February 2010.

    Vox News received satellite license from the National Audiovisual Council of Romania (www.cna.ro) on August 18. Vox News will focus on news and social topics, with 80% in original programmes and 10% from Deutsche Welle.

    The channel is part of SC Sport Channel SRL and has an investment of €2.6 million. Approximately €700,000 has been invested in equipment. In the first year €1.1 million in ad revenues is expected. with a €600,000 deficit projected. SC Sport Channel SRL was created in June 2009. Its shareholders are Roxman Investment SRL (with 80%) and Global Alloys SRL (with 20%).

    Realitatea-Caţavencu trust (www.gruprc.ro ) will launch local channels in Constanţa, Iaşi and Galaţi. Project manager Sergiu Toader and company president Emil Hurezeanu,said the news and business channel will target a Moldavian audience.

    Sorin Ovidiu Vântu, the major shareholder of the trust, told media that he will invest €10 million in digitalisation by the end of 2009.

    Realitatea-Caţavencu comprises a quality channel (Realitatea TV), a business channel (Money Channel), two lifestyle channels (Romantica and CineStar), as well as radio and publishing entities.