VRT takes in more, pays out less

The Flemish public broadcaster VRT earned €4.5 million from digital TV services, such as those allowing viewers to catch up with programmes already broadcast, according to the answer to a written question put to Flanders’ media minister Ingrid Lieten. The services were introduced on digital TV by Telenet in 2005 and by Belgacom TV in 2006. The reporting period concerns 2007-2009, Lieten said.

In 2008 digital services income – only for various on-screen interactive services, not for the provision of digital TV itself – was up by as much as 96% on the previous year. By 2009, some services had dropped below 2007 levels.

Meanwhile, another written answer from Lieten to parliament member Carl Decaluwé revealed that prize money on quiz shows broadcast by the VRT fell from a total of €660,000 in 2007 to €390,000 in 2008, and then less steeply to just over €375,000 in 2009. The biggest spender was the daily quiz show Blokken, which paid out nearly €173,000. Blokken, presented by Ben Crabbé (pictured) is a steady performer at the top of the VRT’s – and the region’s – ratings charts.

(August 18, 2010)