The independent radio came into being in 1990 and the first independent television channels started broadcasting in 1993 after legislation had been passed de-regulating the sector. Until then, there was only one television and radio channel, the single public service channel (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation – CyBC). The industry expanded very rapidly and there are now 10 island-wide and 38 local radio stations and 7 island-wide (including 2 pay TV) and 6 local television channels.
Cyprus Radio – Television Authority - The Cyprus Radio-Television Authority is an independent regulatory body established under the Radio and Television Stations Law. It is composed of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and five members, appointed by the Council of Ministers for a six-year term.
The Authority is concerned with private radio and television stations broadcasting in Cyprus. The responsibilities of the Authority encompass the following:
- Issuing and renewing broadcasting licenses for radio and television.
- Monitoring the ownership of radio and television stations so as to avoid media concentrations, monopolies and oligopolies and ensure pluralism.
- Monitoring the content of radio and television programmes to ensure compliance with the Radio and Television Stations Law and Regulations, by broadcasters.
- Safeguarding the editorial independence of media professionals from any kind of pressures and interferences.
- Ensuring the equal treatment of political parties, particularly during pre- election periods.
- Monitoring international developments in the media field and making proposals and/or suggestions for amendments of legislation to the Council of Ministers, in order to achieve compliance with the European Legal Framework.
- Examining complaints about the content of radio and television programmes and commercials.
- Examining breaches of the law and regulations and of the code of conduct by broadcasters, and imposing sanctions, which include recommendations, warnings, fines and the suspension or withdrawal of licenses.
- Issuing circulars and directives regarding observance of the code of journalistic conduct.
The Authority appoints a consultative body - the Radio-Television Advisory Committee, which reflects public opinion, the views of government services and various interested organizations and associations, and the positions of private radio and television broadcasters.
In spite of the fact that the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC), which is the state-funded public service in Cyprus, is at present excluded from the provisions of the Radio and Television Stations Law and Regulations, the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Law states that the CyBC has the obligation, as the National Broadcaster, to include a minimum percentage of certain programmes (i.e. educational, cultural) in its overall broadcast material.
The Cyprus Radio-Television Authority is a member of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) and of the Mediterranean Network of Media Regulatory Authorities. The Cyprus Radio – Television Authority launched in 2002 the Programme Awards for the Best Television and Radio Programmes. The total number of licensed television and radio stations in Cyprus at the end of 2003 was 59.
Island-wide TV Stations - Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC): P.O.Box 24824, 1397 Nicosia, Tel.: 22422231, 22862000, Fax: 22314050, email: rik@cybc.com.cy, web site: http://www.cybc.com.cy, Channels: CyBC1 6, 38, CyBC2 31, CyBC2, 22, Nicosia ERT 45.
Mega TV: P.O.Box: 27400, 1644 Nicosia, 20, Agios Avgoustinos Str., Archangelos, 2054 Strovolos, Tel.: 22477777, Fax: 22355138, 22477737 email: info@megatv.com.cy Channels: 24, 34, 37, 42, 46, 54, 57, 64.
Antenna TV.: Sophocleous 15, Aglantzia, P.O.Box: 20923, 1655 Nicosia, Tel.: 22311111, Fax: 22499906, Channels: 48, 35, 60, 41, 63, 65, 23, 26, 67, 24, 56, 37, 42.
Lumiere TV. Ltd.: 1 Dioghenous Str., Block A, 1st and 2nd floor, 2404 Nicosia, Tel.: 22357272, Fax: 22354622, 22354638, Channels: 26, 63, Encoded signal.
Sigma TV.: P.O. Box: 21836, 1513 Nicosia, Tel.: 22580100, Fax: 22358640, Channels: 37, 46, 58, 69, 26, web site:http://www.sigma.com.cy
Alpha TV.: 5 Arch. Kyprianou Str., 1310 Latsia, P.O.Box 12669, 1310 Nicosia, Tel.: 22471555, Fax: 22571909, Channels: 52, 56, 34.
Astra TV.: 284 Arch. Makarios Av., Fortuna Court, Block B, 2nd floor, 3105 Limassol, P.O.Box: 50132, 3601 Limassol, Tel: 25586475, Fax: 25587191.
Radio Stations Operating in Cyprus (Island – wide transmission)
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC): P.O.Box 24824, 1397 Nicosia, Tel.: 22422231, Fax: 22314050, email:rik@cybc.com.cy, web site:http://www.cybc.com.cy, Frequency: 1st Programme: AM 963KHz, FM 97.2 MHz, Tel.: 771085, 2nd Programme: FM 91.1 MHz, ?el.: 771089, 3rd Programme: AM 603KHz, FM 94.8 MHz, ?el.: 771001
Radio Athena: 35-37, 28th October, Makedonitissa, 2414 Nicosia, Tel.: 22356920, 771007, Fax: 22356918, email: athiname@cytanet.com.cy ,Frequency: MHz:100.7
Radio Proto: P.O.Box: 21836, 1513 Nicosia, 31 Archangelos Str., Strovolos, 2054 Nicosia, Tel.: 22580400, 771093, Fax: 22352266, web site: http://www.radioproto.com.cy, Frequency: MHz: 99.3, 89.3
Logos: Church of Cyprus, P.O.Box 27400, 1644 Nicosia, 20 Agios Avgoustinos Str., Archangelos, 2054 Strovolos, Tel.: 22477777, Fax: 22352349, Frequency: MHz: 101.1, 101.6, 102.4, Nicosia, Larnaka, Pafos, 102.4, Kykkos Area
Radio Astra: 145 Athalassas Avenue, Strovolos, 2045 Nicosia, Tel.: 22368888, Fax: 22319262, 22518832, 22319069, web site: http://www.astra.com.cy, Frequency: M?z: 92.8, 91.7, 105.1
Radio Ant1 FM: 15 Sophocleous Str., Aglantzia, Nicosia, P.O.Box 20923, 1665 Nicosia, Tel.: 22200200, Fax: 22512707, Frequency: MHz:102.7, 103.7
Super FM: 4 Annis Komninis Str., Soleas Court, 6th floor, flat 602, 1060 Nicosia, Tel.: 22460150, Fax: 22769516, Frequency: 104.7,95.7
Radio Stations Operating in Cyprus (Island – wide transmission)
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC): P.O.Box 24824, 1397 Nicosia, Tel.: 22422231, Fax: 22314050, email:rik@cybc.com.cy, web site:http://www.cybc.com.cy, Frequency: 1st Programme: AM 963KHz, FM 97.2 MHz, Tel.: 771085, 2nd Programme: FM 91.1 MHz, ?el.: 771089, 3rd Programme: AM 603KHz, FM 94.8 MHz, ?el.: 771001
Radio Athina: 35-37, 28th October, Makedonitissa, 2414 Nicosia, Tel.: 22356920, 771007, Fax: 22356918, email: athiname@cytanet.com.cy ,Frequency: MHz:100.7
Radio Proto: P.O.Box: 21836, 1513 Nicosia, 31 Archangelos Str., Strovolos, 2054 Nicosia, Tel.: 22580400, 771093, Fax: 22352266, web site: http://www.radioproto.com.cy, Frequency: MHz: 99.3, 89.3
Logos: Church of Cyprus, P.O.Box 27400, 1644 Nicosia, 20 Agios Avgoustinos Str., Archangelos, 2054 Strovolos, Tel.: 22477777, Fax: 22352349, Frequency: MHz: 101.1, 101.6, 102.4, Nicosia, Larnaka, Pafos, 102.4, Kykkos Area
Radio Astra: 145 Athalassas Avenue, Strovolos, 2045 Nicosia, Tel.: 22368888, Fax: 22319262, 22518832, 22319069, web site: http://www.astra.com.cy, Frequency: M?z: 92.8, 91.7, 105.1
Radio Ant1 FM: 15 Sophocleous Str., Aglantzia, Nicosia, P.O.Box 20923, 1665 Nicosia, Tel.: 22200200, Fax: 22512707, Frequency: MHz:102.7, 103.7
Super FM: 4 Annis Komninis Str., Soleas Court, 6th floor, flat 602, 1060 Nicosia, Tel.: 22460150, Fax: 22769516, Frequency: 104.7,95.7
Radio Sfaira: 1 Diogenous, Engomi, P.O.Box: 21094, 1501 Nicosia, Tel: 22744968, Fax: 22744068, Frequency: MHz: 96.8, 106.4, Limassol,Troodos.
Kanali Exi: 69 Irinis Str.,3041 Limassol, P.O.Box 54845, 3728 Limassol, Tel.: 25820500, Fax: 25820550, web side:http://www.kanali986.com, Frequency: MHz: 98.6
Radio Helios: 19, Arch. Makarios Avenue, Flat 504, P.O.Box 40938, 6308 Larnaka, Tel.: 24622144, 771076, Fax: 24622145, Frequency: MHz: 107.6
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation
The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) is a non-profit, semi-governmental broadcasting organisation transmitting island-wide on three radio and two television channels. It utilises its entire income for the promotion of its main mission: the objective provision of information, culture and entertainment to the people of Cyprus.
The CyBC is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) through which it relays programmes and news footage of events in Cyprus that can be taken up by TV stations throughout Europe and the rest of the world. CyBC has set up its own site on the Internet at http:/www.cybc.com.cy . Since April 1997 Cypriots living abroad or foreigners who have access to the Internet can listen to CyBC´s three radio channels and watch its television programmes. To perform its important national and social mission i.e. to provide “Information-Education-Entertainment”, CyBC emphasizes the promotion of language and culture, local productions, objectivity and reliability and polyphony, and serves a broad range of interests and preferences,including those of the minorities.
Enlightening foreigners on the Cyprus issue and encouraging communication with overseas Cypriots are all top priorities for the Corporation.
The Three Television Channels of CyBC - CyBC's television channels transmit daily on a 24-hour basis.
CyBC ONE: It is the Corporation's main information channel. It places emphasis on News Bulletins in Greek and on programmes covering current affairs, political, financial, social, cultural and sports news.
The provision of reliable, prompt and objective information for viewers via News and Current Affairs programmes is considered very important. At the same time, emphasis is given to educational and cultural programmes and those concerning public services. Among its programmes are high-quality documentaries and feature films, series based on actual events and acclaimed literature, operas, concerts, ballets, theatre performances and cultural programmes. CyBC ONE retransmits the days Current Affairs programmes after midnight. CyBC TWO: It is the Corporation's main entertainment channel. It offers viewers a second choice. Among its programmes are local productions, Turkish programmes, selected Greek and foreign series, high quality feature films, Greek and foreign television movies, music and childrens programmes. It also transmits News in Greek, Turkish and English. Since 1993, CyBC TWO has carried a daily rebroadcast of part of the Euronews programme (approximately 80 hours per week).
Cyprus SAT: For CyBC, the provision of reliable, prompt and objective information to the public via News Bulletins and Current Affairs programmes is not restricted to the geographical boundaries of Cyprus, but via its Satellite Programme extends to the countries hosting overseas Cypriots such as Greece, Britain and the rest of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
CyBC's Satellite Programme, Cyprus SAT, also transmits television and theatre productions, current affairs programmes, documentaries, cultural, children's and entertainment programmes produced by CyBC. The only exception is the live transmission of the Sunday Liturgy from MEGA TV Television channel.
Current Affairs programmes are retransmitted on a daily basis so as to serve the overseas Cypriots in Britain and other countries who, due to the time difference, cannot watch them on first transmission. Following an agreement with Greek Television's ERT Sat Satellite Programme, the 6.00 p.m. news bulletin and weekly programmes “Cyprus, 7 Days” and Cyprus Review”, are transmitted by ERT all over the world.
The Four Radio Channels of CyBC - The four Radio Channels aim to transmit quality programmes and provide information, culture and entertainment to the public, taking into consideration the needs and preferences of all the communities in Cyprus, by transmitting their programmes in various languages. The channels transmit on a 24-hour basis and also via Satellite and the Internet.
First Radio Channel - The First Channel transmits on a 24-hour basis giving emphasis to news bulletins and current affairs, education and culture programmes. Programmes for the Cyprus National Guard and the Greek Contingent and young adults, history and tradition, and programmes of classical,modern and traditional music comprise the framework of the First Programme service to Cyprus and the whole of the Greek nation.
As from 27 of June 1999, CyBC also transmits a special programme for Maronites, titled the “The voice of Maronites”. In addition, a special programme for the Latin Community started on 13 November 1999. There is also a short wave-transmission “I kypros konta sas” for listeners outside Cyprus during weekends only. It is run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 22.15-22.45 GMT and comprises special programmes for Cypriots abroad, mainly in the United Kingdom. The First Radio Channel transmits at 963, 693, 558 KHz on AM and 97.2, 90.2, 93.3 and 91.4 MHz on FM.
Second Radio Channel - The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC)-Radio Programmes transmit on 3 channels on both AM and FM but only “Programme Two” broadcasts programmes in Turkish (06.00-17.00), Armenian (17.00-18.00), English (18.00-24.00). The second Radio Channel transmits at 91.1, 92.4, 96.5, and 94.2 MHz on FM.
This channel transmits programmes in various languages on a 24-hour basis: in Turkish for the Turkish Cypriots (06.00-17.00), in Armenian for the Armenians (17.00-18.00) and in English for foreign visitors and permanent non-Greek-speaking residents (18.00-24.00).
The transmission to the Turkish-Cypriots aims at maintaining communication with them. Among other programmes, there are three news bulletins every day (at 07.30, 3.15 and 18.50). The English speaking programmes are mainly for entertainment, music and culture, with emphasis on providing accurate information on the Cyprus problem and promoting Cyprus cultural heritage. Three news bulletins are transmitted every day (at 13.30, 20.00. and 22.00).
The programmes in Armenian are of a similar character and constitute a podium of expression and a promotion of the language and the traditions of the Armenian people. Three news bulletins are transmitted, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays (at 17.15).
Throughout the year, CyBC Radio Channel 2 transmits a daily two-hour evening programme specially prepared for visitors to Cyprus, under the title “Welcome to Cyprus”. The programme is presented in two languages (German, French).
Third Radio Channel - The Third Radio Channel acts mainly as an entertainment and information channel of listeners in Cyprus and for Greek immigrants in Germany, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe via satellite and the Internet. It transmits on a 24-hour basis at 603, 1044, and 918 KHz on AM and 94.8, 96.0, 99.8 and 97.9 MHz on FM.
Fourth Radio Channel - The Fourth Radio Channel is of a purely musical easy - listening content. It is a relayed broadcast of the Athens based LOVE RADIO stations at 88.2 MHz on FM. Transmissions are on a 24-hour basis.
Source: Press And Information Office, Republic Of Cyprus, 2005