Operating licence of MTV to remain in force

On 23 January 2020, the Government made a decision that the programme licences of MTV Oy for television broadcasting will not be cancelled despite a change in the effective control of the company.

On 2 December 2019, the company acquisition between MTV Oy and Telia Company AB took place and MTV's effective control of licensed television broadcasting was transferred to Telia Company AB.

MTV has 15 licences for television broadcasting in antenna networks. They are valid until 10 January 2027. One of the licences granted to MTV3 is for a so-called public interest channel. It entered into force on 1 February 2018. Other programme licences have been granted either for free-to-air or pay-TV channels.

The government decision applies to programme licences issued under the Act on Electronic Communication Services. The Government considers that there is no impediment to accepting the changes in the effective control, because the change made in the company will not result in centralisation of the television service market.

Inquiries:

Mirka Meres-Wuori, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2595