Turner Broadcasting System Deutschland has applied for six broadcast licences for international TV channels at Bavarian media authority BLM.
A Turner Broadcasting System Deutschland spokesman confirmed the licence applications to Broadband TV News, adding that they were submitted in the context of the ongoing Brexit negotiations. “We want to be prepared for any outcome.”
The spokesman stressed, however, that London would remain Turner Broadcasting System’s European hub in any case.
The German office of Turner Broadcasting System is based in Munich, Bavaria.
According to German regulatory authority KEK, the licence applications cover the TV channels TCM Ireland/Malta, TCM Greece, TCM France, WBTV France, TNT Poland and TNT Romania. They were submitted at BLM on November 8, 2018 and brought forward to KEK on November 21.
Irish media regulator BAI has also recently received its first licence application from a UK-based broadcaster seeking to maintain distribution after Brexit.
Over 500 pan-European channels currently use broadcast licences issued by UK regulator Ofcom. The UK is the most significant hub for linear TV channels and on-demand services targeting other countries.
Were a ‘No deal Brexit’ to become a reality such licences might become invalid. It is therefore expected that further affected broadcasters will submit licence applications in EU countries outside the UK in relation to Brexit.
