The Dutch media entrepreneur Gerard Ardesch has launched a new initiative to help local programme councils showcase new channels to viewers. Called Kabelraden TV, it will show new channels for a limited period of time.
In The Netherlands, about 60 so-called programme councils (Programmaraden in Dutch) decide on the basic analogue tier of every cable operator. This is regulated by law and cable operators are required to follow the recommendations of the first 15 channels in basic analogue.
The new channel is meant to give the councils an opportunity to showcase new channels, so viewers can have a taste of new programming initiatives. Ardesch is the man behind the Dutch channels TV Orange, Brava HDTV and brand new Schlager TV. His company will facilitate and manage the new showcase channel.
