Radiokomunikace prepares to operate Barrandov channels
A new subsidiary receives seven licences for TV Barrandov, Barrandov Kino and Barrandov Krimi.
Translated from Dutch by AI
The Czech media regulator RRTV has granted seven new broadcasting licences to Broadcasting Services, a subsidiary of České Radiokomunikace. This places operation of the three Barrandov channels with the infrastructure group.
The new licences apply to TV Barrandov, Barrandov Kino and Barrandov Krimi. The main channel may be distributed via terrestrial transmitters, satellite and other transmission systems, including IPTV and internet platforms. Licences for terrestrial and satellite distribution have been granted for the two thematic channels.
According to reports, the existing licences expire on 29 October. The new permits can become legally valid no earlier than 30 October. The new permits could therefore provide the formal basis for distribution after the change of operator.
Broadcasting Services is a newly established company within the České Radiokomunikace group. According to the same outlet, the group operates national multiplexes in the Czech Republic and provides technical distribution for other channels, among other activities. The move also gives the infrastructure provider a more direct position in the operation of television channels.
The previous operators were linked to businessman Jan Čermák. Barrandov Televizní Studio, holder of the licences for Kino and Krimi, is in insolvency proceedings. The licences have been returned by the companies involved; content, brands and the archive are therefore not automatically part of the same legal transfer.
For the market, the main significance is that distribution and operation are now moving closer together. The licensing decisions say nothing yet about a substantive renewal of the programming or the channels’ financial viability. The available reporting instead mentions many repeats and archive material in the current schedules.
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The core of the report has been confirmed by two trade publications. The text makes clear that the transfer of the licences is not evidence of a substantive or financial turnaround.
- Confirmed Broadcasting Services received seven licences for three Barrandov channels. — MediaGuru and Médiář report this identically.
- Confirmed The existing licences expire on 29 October and the new ones can take effect from 30 October. — MediaGuru gives both dates.
- Confirmed Barrandov Televizní Studio is in insolvency proceedings. — Médiář describes the insolvency proceedings and the licences involved.