DISY LEADER Averof Neophytou yesterday raised the issue of removing the right to advertising from state broadcaster CyBC during discussion of its 2013 budget in the House Finance Committee.
Speaking before the committee, Neophytou said the ruling party plans to table a legal amendment removing the right of CyBC to sell advertising since it is a recipient of state grants. He gave as an example, the operation of the BBC.
By removing itself from the advertising world, the state broadcaster can get out of the race for viewers and instead focus on its main aim of producing TV programmes that promote Cyprus’ culture, regardless of ratings.
The state broadcaster is expected to earn around €4.5m this year in advertising sales, while receiving €27m from the state.
CyBC chairman Makis Symeou counter-argued that apart from the BBC, in the rest of Europe, state broadcasters are permitted to raise advertising revenue.
He also argued that the Cyprus taxpayer pays less for its state broadcaster in relation to the island’s GDP compared to the average cost to GDP ratio in Europe.
Neophytou suggests removing CyBCs rights to sell ads
