Latvia’s National Electronic Media Council (NEPLP) has announced a tender for the right to distribute free-to-air (FTA) national commercial TV channels in the country for the next three years.
Commenting on the development, NEPLP member Patriks Griva, who is in charge of radio and TV monitoring and promoting the development of the media industry, said: “At the end of this year, the period during which the four commercial televisions have had the right to distribute TV channels on FTA broadcasting will come to an end. In the next period – from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024 – a total of five TV channels will be available for free terrestrial broadcasting in Latvia – LTV1, LTV7 and three commercial television channels”.
The channels should ensure the diversity of the information space; strengthen the cultural space and national identity; and promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
The main language used by the new channels will have to be Latvian and at least 60% of their weekly broadcast time allocated to Latvian content. The channels will also be assessed on whether and how they reach minority audiences.
NEPLP is inviting both existing and new commercial electronic media registered in Latvia that broadcast TV channels to participate in the competition. Applications should be submitted electronically by October 25.
