Russia’s first DTT multiplex may be enhanced by the addition of a regional channel.
According to AKTR and ComNews, Minkomsvazi, the Governmental Commission for Broadcasting Development, has requested that amendments to the presidential decree on the composition of the multiplex be made by October. They would ensure that the eight national channels already selected for the multiplex would be joined by a ninth, regional service.
A competition to chose the channel, which would be on air for 12-15 hours daily and could conceivably be created by combining several existing regional services, would then be held by May 2011.
The addition of a regional channel is likely to result in the removal of three radio stations from the first multiplex.