24-01-2011

Czech Channel Z1 Ends Broadcasts

By FNE Staff

    PRAGUE: Czech media reported that Z1, the first privately owned Czech 24-hour news channel, was ceasing broadcasts as of 24 January 2011.

    Z1 (www.z1tv.cz) was operated by První zpravodajská, owned by leading CEE investment company J&T Finance Group. The station presented live broadcasts from 7 am to 11 pm daily, with acquired programming on nights and weekends. It operated under a digital terrestrial broadcasting license, and was also available on IPTV and mobile phone streaming.

    Z1 began broadcasting in 2008, but laid off the majority of its staff in 2009. The closing of the station was due to financial problems, as the station failed to attract a sizable audience.