A Biel network for Canal 3

Radio If Espace Media sells Canal 3, a rescue company will be ready. Due to the takeover by Tamedia, Espace Media Groupe will have to sell the bilingual radio station Canal 3. At Radio Bilingue SA, which has been in existence for three years and in which the publishing house Gassmann (Bieler Tagblatt/Journal du Jura) and the Cortesi office, among others, hold shares, there is a spirit of optimism. Chairman Thomas Eichelberger believes he is closer than ever to his goal of being able to operate "a station anchored in the region" for Biel. He is already in contact with Espace Media.  
However, a change of ownership can hardly be expected before the concession tenders. It is more likely that Espace Media will reapply for Canal 3 - in case its deal with Tamedia falls through. Eichelberger is considering a parallel submission - and wants to continue negotiations with Espace Media.
 
Radio Bilingue SA was founded in 2004 as a reaction to Espace Media's acquisition of Radio Canal 3. Representatives of the local economy, politicians and authorities feared at the time that the Bern-based group would discontinue the French frequency to save money. "These fears have been allayed," says Eichelberger. "But we will be happy if a solution is found in Biel."
 
Markus Knöpfli