According to local reports, the six companies that were awarded digital TV licences in the Czech Republic last year and subsequently had them withdrawn following protests by – amongst others – TV Nova and Prima TV – are likely to turn to the European Commission for help. The Digital Televisions Association (ADT), a body that represents the six companies (TV Barrandov, Febio TV, TV Pohoda, Z1, Ocko and RTA) estimates that the loss of the licences has so far cost them in the region of CZK1.4 billion (€50 million). In a separate development, the Czech Radio and TV Council (RRTV) has awarded a 12-year satellite licence to a new channel named 24 Plus. Linked to the parliamentary channel CT24, it will offer a mix of news, political analysis and information-based programming and should make its debut this summer.
