Canal B receives another TV license for Biel/Bienne
After a further review, the DETEC has granted Canal B the license for regional television in the Biel/Bienne area. According to the department, the key factor in the decision was, in particular, the channel’s contribution to media diversity in the region.
The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has once again awarded the concession for regional television in the Biel/Bienne coverage area to Canal B. Canal B was already awarded the license in January 2024. new concessionaire has been appointedwhereupon the previous provider TeleBielingue lodged a complaint (Markt-kom.com reported). The Federal Administrative Court then judged both applications to be largely equivalent and referred the case back to the Uvek for reassessment.
According to the Radio and Television Act, preference is given, in the case of equal applications, to the one that promotes the diversity of opinion and offerings in the respective coverage area more strongly. In the current assessment, the Uvek concludes that Canal B is structurally more independent and performs slightly better in terms of content criteria. In particular, the thematic and opinion-related diversity as well as the diversity of formats and actors involved were decisive. While TeleBielingue is part of the Gassmann Group, Canal B is organized independently.
A further appeal against the decision may be lodged with the Federal Administrative Court within 30 days.
