Dutch cable operators are negotiating with the Belgian public broadcaster to carry its third network, due be launched on May 1.
A spokesperson from Ziggo, the country’s largest operator, confirmed that talks are ongoing on the carriage of the new net. UPC Nederland said they will carry the new channel, but have not yet decied in which package it will be included (basic or extended).
VRT plans to split its current second network into two separate channels – Ketnet for kids and teens programming and Canvas for current affairs, documentaries and more. Until now, the two shared a single channel.
At the moment, Dutch cable operators have a must-carry obligation to distribute two VRT channels in analogue.
In an email to Broadband TV News, a spokesperson for the broadcaster wrote: “With the split of Canvas and Ketnet we want to serve our youngest viewers without interruption in the programme schedule. Canvas gets the the opportunity to present itself as channel driven by current affairs with great attention to details, interpretation, culture, events, with a channel that already starts in the afternoon. Sports will continue to be covered under the Sporza brand on both the first net (Een) and on Canvas.”
UPC Nederland started recently a catch-up service for VRT programming.
