Television programming licences have been granted

The Government has granted television programming licences for multiplexes A-F in the UHF band for the licence period from 17 May 2017 to 10 January 2027.

All applications were successful. Most of the applications concerned existing television programmes. The licences allow Discovery, AETN UK and Turner Broadcasting to launch new television channels.

The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority grants licences for multiplexes in the VHF band and for the regional multiplex in Ostrobothnia as these spectrum bands have enough transmission capacity for all primary applicants.

The licences were granted as follows:

- AETN UK, 2 licences (History, H2)

- Brilliance Communications Oy, 1 licence (Alfa-TV)

- Discovery Corporate Services Limited, 5 licences (Olympiakanava, SBS Extra, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery)

- Discovery Networks Finland Oy, 4 licences (Kutonen, TV5, Frii, TLC)

- Etelä-Pohjanmaan Viestintä Oy, 1 licence (Iskelmä TV Harju&Pöntinen)

- Eurosport SAS, 2 licences (Eurosport, Eurosport 2)

- Fox Networks Group Oy, 1 licence (FOX)

- MTV Sisällöt Oy, 16 licences (MTV3, AVA, Sub, MTV MAX, C More First, C More Hits, C More Series, MTV Juniori, MTV Sport 1, MTV Sport 2)

- NGC Europe Limited, 2 licences (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild)

- Nickelodeon International Ltd, 2 licences (Nick Jr/MTV Finland, Comedy Central)

- Oy Viasat Finland Ab, 7 licences (Viasat Jalkapallo SD, Viasat Urheilu SD, Viasat Jääkiekko SD, Viasat Golf SD, Viasat Sport SD, Viasat Hockey SD, Viasat History SD)

- Sanoma Media Finland Oy, 8 licences (Nelonen, Liv, Hero, Jim, Nelonen Nappula/Nelonen Prime, Nelonen Pro 1, Nelonen Pro 2, Nelonen Maailma)

- The Walt Disney Company Ltd, 3 licences (Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD)

- Turner Broadcasting System Europe Limited, 1 licence (Cartoon Networks)

There were no applications for licences for channels serving the public interest. Channel serving the public interest does not mean the Finnish Broadcasting Company Ltd (Yleisradio Oy) which does not need a licence. Its public service obligation is based on the Act on Yleisradio Oy.

Inquiries:

Laura Eiro, Director of Unit, tel. +358 29 534 2668

Mirka Meres-Wuori, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 29 534 2595