Mediaset wants fifth multiplex
April 5, 2013
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Italian commercial broadcaster Mediaset has submitted a request to the Ministry of Economic Development and the Communications Authority (AgCom) to transform its DVB-H multiplex into DVB-T, so that it can be used for TV broadcasting.
According to daily Italia Oggi, the request was filed in February by Mediaset’s transmission arm Elettronica Industriale. If the response is positive, the move would enable the broadcaster to reduce transmission costs, as part of its DTT channels are currently carried on multiplexes of third operators. In addition, the new multiplex would open the possibility for Mediaset to launch HD versions of its channels.
In a related development, Mediaset is allegedly planning to sell up to 15 per cent of transmission tower operator EI Towers. A report by Mediobanca Securities, quoted by Milano Finanza, claims that Mediaset plans to retain 50 per cent of EI Towers, cashing in €100 million from the deal and helping it reduce debt. For its part, Mediaset commented that such an operation is “premature”.