Television
Call for Urgent Reform in Italian Local Television Standards
2025-01-13

The association advocating for Italian local television broadcasters is highlighting a critical issue that hinders the sector's progress. The transition to advanced broadcasting technology, specifically DVB-T2/HEVC, has been sluggish, leading to suboptimal performance for regional stations. As the global market embraces high-performance and large-screen televisions capable of delivering superior audiovisual experiences, Italy's local TV stations remain shackled by outdated transmission protocols. This discrepancy creates an uneven playing field where national broadcasters enjoy better technical support and higher-quality service provision.

The coordinator of Aeranti-Corallo, Marco Rossignoli, emphasized the adverse impact on both service quality and media diversity. He pointed out that while national channels have sufficient bandwidth and continue using relatively modern standards, local stations face significant limitations. This disparity not only undermines the competitiveness of local television but also affects the richness and variety of content available to the public. Moreover, the lingering uncertainty regarding the timeline for completing the transition stifles investment in new technologies and infrastructure upgrades, impeding innovation within the industry.

Aeranti-Corallo underscores the necessity for immediate action from relevant authorities. The organization calls upon the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (MIMIT) to establish a definitive schedule for transitioning to DVB-T2/HEVC. By doing so, they aim to foster a more equitable environment for all broadcasters and promote advancements in technology. Ensuring timely support measures will facilitate smoother adaptation and contribute positively to the overall development of the broadcasting sector. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens and safeguarding the diversity of information sources.

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