The availability of channel space in the digital TV network has attracted a lot of interest. No less than 29 companies have advised the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland that they are interested in applying for a digital programme licence.
There will be capacity for new digital television and radio channels in one existing multiplex and in a new one that will be built in the next few years. The new network is also intended to be used for the transmission of two Swedish television (SVT) channels. Licences for these will be open for application at a later date.
Applicants had to notify the Ministry of their interest by 15 March. The actual applications must be submitted by 2 May.
The following companies advised their interest in applying: Arctecho Oy, BBC World Distribution Limited, BBC World Service Radio, Blue Media Oy, Boxer TV-Access Ab, Citizen TV Oy, C More Entertainment Finland Oy, Discovery Communications Europe, EuroNews, Eurosport SA, Etelä-Pohjanmaan Viestintä Oy, Family Channel Oy, Kustannusosakeyhtiö Iltalehti, Metroradio Finland Oy, m-cult company Oy, MTV Networks Europe and Nickelodeon International Ltd, MTV Oy, National Geographic Channel, NonStop Television AB, Pohjois-Karjalan Uudet Mediat Oy, Q-TV Productions (to be established), Suomen Urheilutelevisio Oy, SWelcom Oy, Turner Broadcasting System Europe Ltd, TV 5 Finland Oy, Vaasan Läänin Puhelin Oy, Oy Viasat Finland Ab, Vizor Oy, The Walt Disney Company Limited
For further information please contact: Mr Ismo Kosonen, Director of Media Policy Unit, tel. +358 9 160 28462, +358 50 511 6601
