German transmitter network operator Media Broadcast has decided to sell its FM aerials and transmitters to focus on digital growth areas and services.
The decision follows an analysis and revaluation of its business areas with regard to the challenges of digitisation and future revenues, according to Media Broadcast. The sale is to be completed by June 30, 2018.
“We will pursue a distinct digital strategy in conjunction with our owner Freenet Group in future. This particularly comprises the growth areas DVB-T2 HD and DAB+ as digital technologies for TV and radio distribution,” Wolfgang Breuer, CEO of Media Broadcast, said in Cologne. “Following the separation from our FM infrastructures, we will continue to offer services in the areas of transmitter technology, aerial maintenance and network services. We will therefore remain a reliable partner for our customers in all business segments. We will, of course, fulfil existing contracts with broadcasters.”
In the next weeks, Media Broadcast will hold discussions with all users of FM aerials and transmitters interested in taking them over. If they aren’t interested, Media Broadcast will sell the infrastructure in an open auction with a minimum price in the second half of 2017.
FM aerials and transmitters no longer required following this process will be dismantled.
According to Media Broadcast, it has been approached by several parties in the past as to whether it wants to sell its FM infrastructures. The company therefore expects sufficient interested parties to be available.
Broadband TV Views: The sale is surprising as the FM broadcast infrastructure has been a core business of Media Broadcast. But it’s not totally unexpected as Freenet Group was mainly interested in the company’s DVB-T2 business to gain a foothold in the TV market when it acquired Media Broadcast in March 2016. Media Broadcast’s satellite business also wasn’t part of the sale. Following its spin-off into the separate company Media Broadcast Satellite, it remains in the hands of Media Broadcast’s previous owners, a group of private equity funds.
