Eesti Televisioon

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For other uses, see ETV.

Eesti Televisioon

Launched	July 19, 1955
Audience share	14,4% (October '07, TNS Emor)
Country	Estonia
Broadcast area	Estonia
Headquarters	Tallinn, Estonia
Website	http://www.etv.ee
Availability
Satellite
Viasat
Cable
AS Starman
STV AS
Telset

Eesti Televisioon (ETV) is the national public television station of Estonia. It made its first broadcast on 19 July 1955.

The bulk of ETV's funding comes from government grant-in-aid, around 15% of which is in turn funded by the fees paid by Estonian commercial broadcasters in return for their exclusive right to screen television advertising. ETV stopped showing commercials in 1998-1999 and has again ceased doing so since 2002: its low-cost advertising rates were damaging the ability of commercial broadcasters to operate. The introduction of system of broadcast receiver licences, payable by viewers, was considered, but ultimately rejected in the face of public opposition.[1]

On 1 January, 1993, ETV was admitted as a full active member of the European Broadcasting Union.

On 9 January, 2006, ETV launched an Internet news service called ETV24. Broadcasting news on Internet, teletext, and on ETV at night.

On 1 June, 2007, ETV controversially merged with the Estonian Radio Service (ER) to form the Estonian Public Broadcasting or Eesti Rahvusringhääling, ERR for short. Created for under the new Estonian National Broadcasting Act, passed by the Estonian Parliament on 18 January 2007. However, ETV has so far continued broadcasting under its original name.

The Estonian Public Broadcasting Act regulates ERR's actions, through the Estonian Broadcasting Council or Ringhäälingunõukogu in Estonia EHR for short.

The Broadcasting Council is the highest management body of ERR.

The first Chair of ERR is Margus Allikmaa.