Advanced Television

RAI

Rai speeds up DVB-T2 switch

Italian public broadcaster Rai has brought forward the launch date for the first multiplex to broadcast in DVB-T2, targeting August 28th. Specific channels haven’t been finalised, but are likely to include flagships Rai 1 HD, Rai 2 HD, and Rai 3 HD in simulcast. This aims to improve reception in areas struggling with the current […]

May 24, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Italy: Mediaset surpasses Rai in daily viewers

Average daily TV audiences in Italy dropped by 2.6 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022 to 8.22 million, while prime-time audiences declined by 2.5 per cent in the same period to 18.99 million, according to the Communications Authority (AgCom) For the first time, Mediaset (3.09 million or 37.6 per cent of the total) surpassed […]

May 1, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Italy: Rai breaks even in 2023

Italian public broadcaster Rai achieved a balanced net profit for 2023, according to financial statements approved by its Board of Directors. Net debt improved to €568 million compared to the previous year, indicating a sustainable financial position. Despite missing revenue from major sporting events and facing advertising restrictions, overall advertising income grew by more than […]

April 18, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Rai Way gains Board approval for growth plan, M&A

Rai Way, the tower company owned by Rai, has reported positive financial results for 2023. Revenue grew 10.8 per cent to €271.9 million, adjusted EBITDA increased 19.4 per cent to €180.3 million, and net profit climbed 17.7 per cent to €86.7 million. The Board of Directors has also approved Rai Way’s industrial plan for 2024-2027. […]

March 27, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

The Saudi Cup secures international coverage

The Saudi Cup 2024 – the world’s most valuable horse race – will be shown live by over 30 broadcasters with a reach that targets all corners of the globe for the $20 million contest. Now entering its fifth year, the Group 1 Saudi Cup is established as one of horse racing’s premium international events. […]

February 23, 2024

Italy: Millions face TV blackout

At least five million Italians, primarily in mountainous and rural regions, are struggling to access basic TV channels from RAI due to poor or non-existent signals. This represents nearly 10 per cent of the population, according to figures published by the National Union of Mountain Municipalities, Communities and Bodies (Uncem). The organisation points out that […]

February 20, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Hulu, European Alliance, A+E Media Group partner on The Kollective

The Kollective (6 x 60’) has begun production and today announces its cast. Produced by Submarine (Undone; Apollo 10 ½, Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World) and created by Leonardo Fasoli (Gomorrah, ZeroZeroZero), Maddalena Ravagli (Gomorrah) and Submarine’s Femke Wolting, the series is commissioned by The European Alliance and will be distributed worldwide by A+E Media Group. Taking audiences around the world from Budapest […]

January 31, 2024

RAI to switch to DVB-T2 in September

Italian public broadcaster RAI has finally committed to switching one of its multiplexes to the new DVB-T2 transmission standard on September 1st. This was confirmed by RAI’s technology director, Stefano Ciccotti, during a presentation in Bologna. In addition, the new date is outlined in the new RAI Service Contract recently signed with the Italian government. […]

January 29, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

RAI to sell 15% stake in tower unit

Italian state broadcaster RAI has announced plans to sell up to 15 per cent of its majority stake in its listed broadcast tower unit, Rai Way. The move, which aims to raise funds for a new three-year business plan, will enable RAI to monetise Rai Way while retaining control. According to the public broadcaster, its […]

January 18, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Tivùsat adds 334,000 connections in 2023

Italy’s free satellite platform Tivùsat enjoyed a stellar year in 2023, exceeding forecasts by 10 per cent with 334,000 new activations. The managing director of Italian state broadcaster RAI, Stefano Luppi, highlighted the strong three-year run, with a total of 1.3 million new activations since 2021. According to Luppi, Tivùsat’s success hinges on its unique […]

January 16, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome