Spain: RTVE formalises the closure of its sports channel Teledeporte on 31/12/2014

The Spanish public broadcaster RTVE confirmed the closure, on 31/12/2014, of its free sports TV channel Teledeporte on 28/08/2014.

"Until this date, other decisions can be taken and the government must also present its definitive plan on the revenues of the DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television)," explained José Ramón Díez, the director of TVE, the TV brand of the RTVE group, to the Spanish newspaper Diario de Sevilla on 28/08/2014. The channel Teledeporte, created in 1994, has broadcasted on the Spanish DTT since 2005.

"The current financial situation forces TVE to close one channel. The content from Teledeporte can be aired on La 2, were it is a perfect fit, and so save money for the network," said José Ramón Díez.

The Spanish public broadcasting group had a debt of €716 on 31/12/2013. The Spanish government has banned advertising on public TV channels since 01/10/2010. "The question is not to change or remove the ban on advertising. It's time to guarantee good management; RTVE needs a stable budget from both the public and private sides. This is an analysis issue for a better…