Belgian Dutch language public broadcaster VRT plans a third national channel, but doubts remain about the feasibility of adding a new channel amidst budget cuts.
Earlier this week, Ingrid Lieten, Flemish minister of media, said the broadcaster can go ahead and launch a third channel. But later on, Flemish prime minister Kris Peeters tempered hopes by saying the Flemish government, which is responsible for media in the Dutch speaking part of the country, has not yet decided on the issue.
At the moment VRT operates two national channels, VRT een (one) and the combined Ketmnet/Canvas channel with kids and youth oriented programming under the Ketnet brand during daytime and more general programming during prime time using the Canvas name. At times, programming on the channel can be interrupted for live sports coverage using the Sporza brand.
VRT now plans to have a full-time kids and youth channel with no more breaks for Canvas and Sporza programming.
