ERR's new Russian-language TV channel will be called ETV+ (original) (raw)

The Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) confirmed today the name for the new state-funded TV-channel, which aims to reach Estonia's Russian-speaking minority.

“ETV+” was chosen out of 360 entries, Darja Saar, the head of the new channel, announced. In choosing the name, the emphasis was on simplicity and user-friendliness regardless of viewers' nationality.

The plus sign should indicate that the channel represents the new multimedia that would be different from traditional television. “The plus sign in the name symbolizes synergy and positive development,” Ainar Ruusaar, a board member of ERR, said.

Estonian government approved the establishment of Russian-language channel in November 2014. The channel's budget for 2015 is 2.53 million euros. The current plan is to air two one-hour programs per day, plus news, in addition to shows and films purchased from other producers.

German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced in Tallinn on Friday that Germany will help Estonia to counterbalance Russian propaganda. The specific steps include supporting the development of ERR's TV and online services in Russian, and sharing TV and web programs by Deutsche Welle in Russian for ERR.

Editor:S. Tambur