A new thematic television channel is appearing in the domestic television airwaves. The new industry-specific station ENERGY TV has started test broadcasting in Regional Network 11, which covers all regional capitals. Viewers tuning into this multiplex will currently see an information loop introducing the future content of the broadcast and the programming plans of the new television. The project is backed by pHmedia Czech Republic s.r.o., which has long successfully operated a sister channel focused on water management.
The start of trial operation occurred shortly after the project received a broadcasting license from the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting (RRTV). ENERGY TV intends to focus its program on energy in a broad context, covering areas from renewable sources and nuclear energy to practical advice for households and current trends in savings. The creators' ambition is to create a space for expert discussion and public education.
The channel operator relies on the concept of a narrowly profiled, so-called industry television, which it previously succeeded with in its first project. This is the iVodárenství TV station, which is described as the only television dedicated to water not only in the Czech Republic but throughout Europe. Data show that there is interest in this type of content.
After more than two years, iVodárenství TV has an viewership of over 80 thousand viewers per week. We anticipate similar success for ENERGY TV, state the operator's representatives regarding the expected reach of the new channel.
In addition to terrestrial broadcasting in Regional Network 11, which uses the DVB-T2 standard and covers the capital city and parts of Central Bohemia, the signal is also expected to be distributed through paid television service operators (IPTV/cable) and on the internet.
The entry of ENERGY TV into the market confirms the trend of television market fragmentation, where, alongside large stations, smaller, highly specialized channels are emerging. These do not try to compete with mass entertainment but target specific professional groups and interested laypeople. Energy, due to the current social situation and rising commodity prices, is a topic with high potential for viewer interest.