| Alpha TV | |
|---|---|
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| Alpha TV logo | |
| Launched | 1993 |
| Owned by | RTL Group |
| Picture format | 576i (PAL) |
| Country |  Greece |
| Formerly called | Skai / A-Sky |
| Website | Alpha TV |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| NOVA Greece | Channel 109 |
Alpha TV is a Greek terrestrial channel (prior to 2000: Skaï, the Greek spelling of Sky). The station features a mix of Greek and foreign shows with an emphasis on entertainment programs. The studios are located near Athens. Alpha TV is owned by German media giant RTL Group; previous owner Dimitris Kontominas sold majority share in the channel to RTL Group in 2008.
Alpha TV's logo, when the channel was called Skaï, was written using Greek letters. It was Latinized and changed to a blue font in 1999, when Kontominas bought it from Ioannis Alafouzos. In September 1999 it became Alpha-Sky and later A-Sky before changing to its present name in October of the same year. The logo was retained despite the changes in the channel's name. In 2006 the name was changed again to Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, to reflect the channel's popularity, and used a similarity of Swiss font letters. This A (alpha) logo is similar to the Attiki Odos logo. The font letters in 2003 changed and a circle was added over Alpha, but the two As (alphas) remain. In 2005 a new version was introduced and is colored with red, looking like the modern Adobe Logo and was updated prior to the launch of the 2007-2008 season. Ratings are now in the middle range after the introduction of Alter.
In Cyprus the public service broadcaster CyBC broadcasts a number of Alpha TV's programmes.
In September 2008, Dimitris Kontominas sold a majority share (66.6%) of Alpha TV and Alpha Radio to German media company RTL Group. Kontominas will continue to be involved with Alpha as he still owns 33.4% and has been named president of the new holding company called Alpha Media Group. [1]
In March 2009 the company made significant changes to the news programming output. The afternoon news show has been cut to 15 minutes in duration and now airs at 13:00. The main evening news has also moved from the highly competitive slot of 20:00 and instead broadcasts at 19:00.
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History
- 1993 Skai TV was launched to compete with Mega Channel and ANT1 similar to ERT Channels. It began broadcasting with a heavy emphasis on news and sports. At the time, its sister station was the #1 ranked radio station in Athens, Skai 100.3 (then called 'Skai 100.4 FM').
- 1994 Skai TV began to exchange family/children's programs from Star Channel with Alpha's children's programming.
- 1999 Alpha TV sold, renamed Alpha-Sky and later A-Sky during a transition period.
- 2000 Renamed to Alpha TV
- 2003 10th anniversary of the station
- 2005 Alpha TV begins broadcast of Alpha Australia, the international network of Alpha and signs up with UBI World TV to make Alpha Australia available in Australia as well as the Asia - Africa
- 2007 Alpha TV launches its channel Alpha Sat into North America on DirecTV
- 2008 Alpha Australia debuts in New Zealand via UBI World TV
- 2008 Alpha TV & Alpha Radio are sold to RTL Group, who now control majority share in the company
Programming
Current shows include:
- Alpha Eidiseis (Alpha News), daily newscast in Greek featuring news from Greece and around the world. Airs daily at 13:00, 19:00 and 01:00.
- Al Tsantiri News, a highly successful live satirical comedy show on its fourth season that features Lakis Lazopoulos giving 'his version' of the news. Airs Tuesdays at 21:00
- Fatus Olus, new gameshow (Greek version of 1 vs. 100), hosted by George Mitsikostas
- Η Κouzina Tis Mamas, entertaining show that seeks to teach viewers, in a fun way, about cooking and eating healthy. Host Εutuxis Bletsas travels the country visiting as many homes- and moms, as he can to find out their special tips or secret recipes and to educate everyone about how and why we should eat properly. Along the way, he gives his special tips and tricks as well as information on health and diet. Eutuxis also entertains everyone with music and singing. Airs Saturdays at 1pm, previously aired on ET3
- Kafes Me Tin Eleni- Variety show featuring entertainment as well as segments on cooking, health, astrology, lifestyle issues and more. Hosted by well-known presenter Eleni Menegaki. Airs Monday - Friday at 10am.
- Mes Stn Kali Hara - Weekend variety show, informative and entertaining. Hosted by Natalia Germanou & Sissi Hristidou, airs Saturday & Sunday at 10am.
- Kati Psinete - Reality programming featuring cooking competition
- Kous Kous to Mesimeri, presented by Katerina Karavatou, featuring the latest news of the Greek show business. Airs daily at 1pm.
- Pame Paketo (The Package) - popular talkshow now in its fourth year, that deals with human interest stories such as reuniting people, fulfilling dreams and connecting individuals who want to correct past mistakes in their lives. Hosted by Viki Xatzivasileiou. Airs Thursdays at 9pm.
- Panw Stin Ora, current morning show. Features discussion with in-studio guests and news from all over Greece and abroad. The show is hosted by Spiros Lambrou and Elena PapaVasileiou. Airs Monday - Friday at 7:50am.
Alpha Sat / Alpha Australia
Alpha Sat / Alpha Australia are the international networks of Alpha TV that broadcasts 'the best of Alpha' thru Alpha Sat to audiences in North America and Alpha Australia for the Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand regions. The channel launched in August 2005 in Australia and 2008 in New Zealand on UBI World TV and in May 2007 in the United States on DirecTV. Alpha Sat and Alpha Australia operate on a 24 hour schedule.
Reporters
- Ritsa Bizogli
- Dimos Verikios
- Antonis Sroiter
- Giwrgos Kirtsos
See also
External links
- Official Site (Greek)
- H Kouzina Tis Mamas (Greek)
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