Modern Times Group (MTG) intends to keep TV3 and LNT as separate stations if the Latvian Competition Council (CC) grants it permission to take over the latter.
Quoted in DB, Kaspars Ozolins, head of its Baltic operations, said that from MTG’s perspective the transaction is a business decision and that were LNT to cease operating there would be a risk for foreign channels taking its place, having a negative impact on local content.
He added that MTG is a long-term player in the Baltic Republics and will invest in LNT as it continues to develop both it and TV3.
Significantly, LNT and TV3 have different audience profiles, the former appealing to an older demographic aged 40-60 and TV3 to viewers aged 20-35.
MTG announced the acquisition of LNT, subject to approval from the CC, earlier this month.
