The CSA, the media authority of the French speaking part of Belgium, has issued a licence for the new private thematic channel Bel TV, which is set for launch this September.
With its slogan “television another way,” Bel TV aims to focus on tourism, culture, music, local cuisine, lifestyle, wellness and fashion. Every day, the channel will have a different theme and broadcast programmes in a continuous loop.
The private channel, whose shareholders comprise of Belgian investors and an operator in the audiovisual sector, wants to “prove there is a place between the public (RTBF) and the private (RTL) broadcasters”, according to Philip Couturiaux, executive producer of the new channel.
Bel TV’s business model will be based on selling advertising and partnerships with different operators. The channel wants to reach an audience in Wallonia (the French speaking part of Belgium), Northern France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Programming for Bel TV will originate from a studio in Gembloux in the Créalys business park and employ ten people and probably as many freelancers.