Local TV channels from German federal state Saxony will become available to DTH satellite households via Astra (19.2° East) from early 2022.
With the move, local media authority SLM wants to ensure that the more than 40% of households in Saxony with DTH satellite as their man TV reception method can access the programmes.
The channels, which have so far mainly been distributed via cable, will share a 24/7 slot on Astra. These are Sachsen Fernsehen Dresden, Sachsen Fernsehen Chemnitz, tvM Meissen Fernsehen, KabelJournal Erzgebirge, Sachsen Fernsehen Leipzig, MEF – Mittel Erzgebirgs Fernsehen, Lausitzwelle Fernsehen and TV Westsachsen.
The local channels will air their programmes in 30-minute windows daily between 16:00 and 20:00 CET. At other times, SSK Sächsische Satellitenkanal from Dresden will broadcast a framework programme focused on regional information. SLM’s council granted the required approvals at its latest assembly.
“I am pleased that with this solution almost all Saxon households will be able to receive local TV in future. The significance of local news coverage for social coexistence was particularly evident in the times of the pandemic. It is therefore important for SLM to continuously increase the reach of local TV and to support it within the scope of its legal responsibilities,” said Professor Dr Markus Heinker, President of the SLM council.
For an initial period of three years until December 31, 2024, SLM will provide funding to cover the distribution costs of up to €790,000 per year for this joint project. In addition, the development costs of a technical facility for the use of satellite broadcasting as a feed to cable head-ends will be funded by up to €110,000.
