Named LN24 for Les News 24, a new 24 hour news channel is set to launch in Belgium, headed by former editor-in-chief of l’Echo, Joan Condijts and his colleague, political journalist Martin Buxant.
Together with entrepreneur Boris Portnoy, former boss of KNTV, they raised EUR4.5 million to launch the new venture, which will be available on TV and online. The purpose of this newcomer is “to bring a new and high-quality look at current events, through several channels of audiovisual and digital broadcasting”.
“Debates of ideas, analyses and comments will occupy an important place in the the predominant place in the content of the LN24 group” according to a press release. The information will cover the entire national territory and should deal with politics, culture, society and economy. Ultimately, the LN24 team should be composed of around forty people. The launch of this new channel is scheduled for 2019.
The Belgian Besix Group has taken a 33.22% share in the new broadcaster, alongside the three founders (see picture). Other shareholders are Belfius Bank, Giles Daoust and Ice-Patrimonial.