ORF 2 goes free-to-air

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Austrian public radio and television broadcaster (ORF) has launched the free-to-air version of its domestic television channel for DTH viewers throughout Europe. Since July 5, ORF 2 Europe, as the service is called, has been available within ORF’s digital package on Astra (19.2° East). The service screens ORF 2’s regular output daily between 16.00 and 0.30 CET with teletext pages shown at all other times. As ORF is not able to clear pan-European rights for the full range of programmes that form part of ORF 2’s schedule during the free-to-air period, some elements are not available on the European version of the channel. These are replaced by programme trailers. The expenses for ORF 2 Europe are partially covered by the public TV licence fee. Although ORF declines to reveal the figures, it is thought that the costs involved in the venture will amount to around €1 million this year