Dutch pubcaster goes commercial
TROS may link with Flemish web on new channel
TROS and VTM have begun to put together a business plan to investigate the possible alliance which would undoubtedly end with TROS leaving the public broadcasting system.
The initiative for the venture came from Christian Van Thillo, maverick CEO of Belgian media outfit De Pers Groep, which owns 50% of VTM, the largest commercial net in Flanders. Media giant Roularta owns the other 50%.
TROS has been unhappy for some time with the state broadcasting system and what it sees as increasing pressure from the government to dictate how it should make its programs. The 40 -year old TROS sees itself as a "family entertainment" broadcaster and says it wants to make programs which appeal to its viewers, not the government.
Holland has been in the throes for several decades of attempting to change a byzantine system whose broadcasters for the most part have either political, social or religious briefs. TROS is one of the few that are independent.
TROS spokesman Marc Van Hal said that the broadcaster is "considering a number of options," to deal with its growing dissatis-faction, among them the starting up of the new commercial channel. The Dutch language VTM "has been very successful as a family network and there are a number of synergies that would help make such a venture successful." A possible merger with VTM has also not been ruled out.
Nine years ago, Veronica left the public broadcasting system to start a commercial venture and last year inked a deal which left most of its assets and the rights to use its name with SBS Broadcasting.
The government has been increasingly suggesting cutting back the three channel pubcaster net to two channels and should that happen, it would make room for one additional major commercial outlet in Holland.
