NeoFM radio channel joins MinDig TV, the nationwide free-to-air digital terrestrial service as of August 1

According to the long-term contract between Antenna Hungária Group and FM1 Zrt, MinDig TV, the nationwide free-to-air digital terrestrial service will be extended by NeoFM radio channel as of August 1, 2010.

Antenna Hungária Group and FM1 Zrt. concluded long-term contract for the transmission of NeoFM radio channel on the digital terrestrial television (DVB-T) platform. Pursuant to this, the digital stereo radio program of NeoFM will be available in MinDig TV free-to-air digital terrestrial offer as of 0:00 AM, August 1, 2010, on the Multiplex ’A’ on a nationwide basis (88% population coverage to date, 95% coverage by December 2010). The demanded capacity by the radio channel is 70 kbit/s.

"It’s an important challange for Est Media Group to have not only content-related, but a technological innovation too, as a permanent case at issue regarding the media instruments of our portfolio. For that very reason I’m pleased, that we managed to contract with Antenna Hungária, hence the establishment of NeoFM’s ’digital presence’ is exemplary not only for our radio, but perhaps for the overall Hungarian radio industry. We wish a good NeoFM radio listening for the growing number of MinDig TV users" – emphasized Tamás Kádár, Managing Director of Est Media Group.

"We welcome the provident decision of FM1 Zrt., as one of the most decisive player on the radio market, to participate actively in the process of the Hungarian digital switchover. It is a significant breakthrough, that NeoFM, one of the most popular radios in Hungary is the first radio to join the digital terrestrial platform based on a long-term contract, as it is providing another very popular content to the users of the MinDig TV service without any subscription far beyond the current footprint of the NeoFM service. It will also show the way for the other main Hungarian radio programme makers such as for example the Hungarian Radio, which still hasn’t concluded the contracts for the digital terrestrial transmission services with Antenna Hungária Group up to this day. I rely on the fact that FM1 Zrt’s step will be exemplary for other market players and the free-to-air offer of MinDig TV can be extended by further radio channels in the coming months, and bring more to the Hungarian citizens irrespective of their financial or geographical situation" – highlighted Jean-Francois Fenech, CEO of Antenna Hungária.

Antenna Hungária Zrt. FM1 Zrt.

Further information:

Antenna Hungária
András Tóth, Head of Communication

Tel: +36 1 464-2110

E-mail: totha [kukac] ahrt [pont] hu

FM1 Zrt. / Est Media Group
Tamás Kádár, Managing Director

Tel: +36 1 436-5000

E-mail: kadar.tamas@emgmedia.hu