Balearic TV budget, 50-60 million euros

IB3, the Balearic Radio and Television station, is to be granted a budget of between 50-60 million euros for next year.
Details were confirmed yesterday in Madrid by Maria Umbert, head of the Public Corporation. She said that IB3, which has now been broadcasting its television service for two weeks, has opted for a wide-ranging and ambitious programme agenda, with more than 70 percent of material being of its own making. This, added Umbert, is particularly important for a region like the Balearics which has its own language and own island culture. Speaking at the Press Association, Umbert reported that to set up the Islands' radio and television station, some 25 million euros had been invested in 2004 and 2005. “Latest generation” technology had been acquired so that Balearic television could be prepared for the digital era. She acknowledged that a regional television station could never be very profitable “because it never ceases to be a public service” but she said it was “important to make efficient use of available resources”. Asked about income from advertising, Umbert declared that expectations are “excellent”. Three million euros are expected this year.