The Czech Barrandov Studio may be split into two in order to facilitate its plans to launch a digital TV service. According to local reports, the Prague-based film studio, which is one of the largest in Europe, is looking into the possibility of operating separate digital TV (Barrandov Studio Company) and film (Barrandov Film Studio) units. Barrandov Studio is currently 99.7% owned by Moravia Steel, with minority interests being held by (amongst others) the film director Milos Forman. Barrandov Studio Company would have set up costs of CZK197.4 million (€7.2 million). Assuming Barrandov Studio is re-awarded the digital TV licence it was granted in April 2006 but subsequently had withdrawn, it could launch a service next year.
