[JMT1985]

I’m not sure about that, there are two factors that would play against that.

Firstly, the Saorview rate card is designed to guarantee 2rn a minimum amount of income per multiplex, so that the transmission charges are calculated as a percentage of the cost of operating the multiplex. What this means is that less services increases the cost for the remaining services on the multiplex,

Secondly, with Saorview, RTE are ultimately paying themselves, as 2rn is a wholly owned subsidiary, and 2rn will have to continue to operate the multiplex concerned in any event.

The plan is due to be published in full today, though of course a chunk of its headline items have now leaked.

Saorview needs to open their channel spaces to more UK channels - Sky News and Challenge TV are already on there now, so closing down some RTE channels and make room for some UK channels will be good. I was surprised at reading Challenge was on there, not a channel I would have thought would be in the Saorview line up