RAI plans eight TV channels on DTT platform
November 2, 2007
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Italian public broadcaster RAI plans launch two new TV channels, as part of its new digital terrestrial TV strategy for the period 2008-2010 that has been approved by the Board of Directors.
RAI's future 'core' DTT platform will see the launch of an entertainment channel for young viewers in 2008, to be followed by a semi general entertainment channel in 2009. They will join terrestrial TV channels Rai Uno, Rai Due, Rai Tre and thematic channels Rai Gulp, RaiSat Sport and RaiNews 24. Other innovations include the start of HD broadcasts of major sports events on digital terrestrial.
According to director general, Claudio Cappon, the goal is to increase the DTT audience share from the current 0.4 per cent to 2 per cent. In total, RAI is investing E450 million in digital terrestrial and E300 million in new technologies.