Spanish Government Launches New DTT Licence Tender
The Spanish government has officially initiated a public tender for the allocation of a new nationwide free-to-air Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) channel. This decision, approved by the Council of Ministers, seeks to expand and diversify the country's audiovisual landscape. The initiative was presented by Óscar López, Minister for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service. The tender aligns with the National Technical Plan for DTT, which came into effect on March 27th, 2025, reorganising the distribution of digital multiplexes for national DTT coverage.
Objectives of the New Channel
The primary goal of this tender, according to the government, is to 'increase the representativeness of social interests and viewpoints' by broadening Spain's audiovisual offerings. Furthermore, the initiative aims to 'promote technological innovation and enhance the quality of DTT services' across the nation. This process is being conducted under the framework of Law 13/2022, Spain's General Audiovisual Communication Law. The new channel is expected to contribute to the ongoing evolution of DTT in Spain, which includes a broader migration towards DVB-T2 technology and Ultra HD (UHD) broadcasts.
Tender Details and Timeline
The tender specifically concerns the remaining quarter of the digital capacity available in the MPE5 multiplex. Prospective applicants will have a submission period from October 20th to November 20th. Applications must be submitted electronically via the official website of the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service. The successful bidder will be granted a licence for a term of 15 years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 15 years. The Council of Ministers has a maximum of twelve months from the date of publication to resolve the entire process.
Context of DTT Evolution in Spain
This tender is part of a significant overhaul of Spain's DTT system. The country is in the process of migrating all DTT channels to DVB-T2 technology, paving the way for widespread Ultra HD (UHD) broadcasts. This technological upgrade allows for more efficient use of the spectrum and facilitates the introduction of new channels. Currently, Spain has 26 national DTT channels, with major groups like Mediaset, Atresmedia, and RTVE holding a significant number of licences. Several entities, including Telefónica, Grupo Godo, Atresmedia, Mediaset, and a group led by José Miguel Contreras and Andrés Varela, have been identified as potential bidders for the new licence.
7 Comments
anubis
Finally, some innovation in DTT! UHD broadcasts will be amazing.
paracelsus
Expanding the audiovisual landscape is a noble goal, but the success of this initiative will heavily depend on the actual content and editorial independence of the new channel. Simply adding a channel doesn't automatically mean better or more diverse programming; the quality of the tender process is key.
anubis
The push for UHD broadcasts and technological innovation is commendable, yet the article mentions established media giants as potential bidders. It's important to ensure this new channel truly brings fresh perspectives and isn't just another outlet for existing corporate interests.
eliphas
While the idea of diversifying DTT offerings is appealing, it's worth considering the current viewership trends. Many are shifting away from traditional broadcast television, so investing heavily in a new DTT channel might be a misallocation of resources compared to supporting digital-native content.
anubis
While increasing DTT channels could offer more diversity, one wonders if the focus should be more on improving existing content rather than just adding another option to a crowded market. The move to DVB-T2 is positive, but new channels don't guarantee better programming.
BuggaBoom
Just more government interference in media. No thanks.
dedus mopedus
It's good to see the government aiming for broader social representation in media, however, the 15-year licence term for a DTT channel feels quite long given the rapid evolution of media consumption habits towards online platforms. This might lock in old tech for too long.