Europe
: Rai and 3 Italia announced the launch of a new Rai channel, available
to all 3 customers.
This
partnership has been agreed during a period of rapid expansion within
the Italian UMTS market: Rai's expertise in creating TV channels and
products across a range of broadcasting platforms complements 3 Italia's
position as a mobile media company.
The Programming
The channel, created by
RaiNet for 3 Media, the division responsible for 3 Italia's editorial
management and programming, is accessible only via 3 Italia's UMTS
videophones. The channel will allow users to enjoy a variety of programmes
without interruption from advertising breaks; it will provide users
with a tailored schedule to meet their demands regardless of time
or location.
Organised by theme and
preferential viewing slots, the programming will include everything
from entertainment, to talk shows, to science and technology and documentaries.
In addition, it will broadcast three daily news updates at 8.00, 13.30
and 20.00, Rai's flagship evening programmes shown on RaiUno, RaiDue
and Raitre, plus all their reality shows.
The pilot phase will launch
today and will run until the 15th November 2005. The 24-hour programming
will be divided into four blocks all consisting of six hours. The
channel will screen new TV programmes between 6pm and midnight, and
will then show the programmes on repeat in the three remaining blocks.
The full channel launch
will take place on November 15th 2005 and will feature 16 hours of
new TV programmes from 8am to midnight after which the programmes
will run on repeat.
Popular TV series will
be broadcast at different times to their airing on terrestrial TV,
offering 3 customers a second chance to watch them.
How to access the channel
The new Rai channel is
available by selecting the "Rai" icon from the "portal"
on 3 videophones. A TV Guide will also be available to users showing
them what is on air at that time and will provide a programme schedule
for the forthcoming week.
Viewing the channel
will cost €0.90 for every 5 minutes.