STV3 in danger of going 'off air'

THE CASH-strapped state-controlled television STV is considering taking its sports channel off the air over July and August after managing director Stefan Niznansky announced a set of austerity measures to keep the broadcaster afloat, Pravda reports.

In addition, Niznansky is reported to have ordered a pay cut for the STV part-time workers and to halve its own programme production. He is now seeking approval from the television council to suspend the STV 3 sports channel.

However, Council member Peter Malec opposes the request saying that once suspended, STV3 will be hard to put back on air.

According to Pravda's information, STV is looking to get €3.3 million that the ministry promised to provide, but even that amount is unlikely to put the television company out of its misery, as it is some €8 million in debt.