Many TV channels cease operations
Thirteen VTC channels, VOVTV, and Nhan Dan TV ceased broadcasting on Wednesday as part of a major streamlining organizational systems.
As of midnight, viewers attempting to access these channels on certain digital TV platforms encountered « service interruption » messages, automatic redirection to other channels or blank screens.
« VTC Digital Television will cease all operations starting Jan. 15. As a result, all VTC channels will halt production and broadcasting across all transmission infrastructures, » FPT Play, a cable TV provider, announced on its website.
The Voice of Vietnam (VOV), VTC’s parent organization, said the suspension is based on the Politburo’s Resolution 18 and the government’s Plan 141 aimed at restructuring and streamlining organizational systems.
Other channels like Nhan Dan TV also ended their broadcasts on Wednesday, while National Assembly TV had ceased operations on Jan. 1.
Cable TV platforms have yet to announce plans for replacing these channels.
Established on Aug. 19, 2004, VTC was Vietnam’s first digital television network, known for pioneering advancements like 4K broadcasting and the interactive iTV channel.
In 2015 VTC came under the management of VOV.
VOVTV began broadcasting in 2008, and Nhan Dan TV launched in 2015.
Earlier several international channels operated by Disney, such as National Geographic, Baby TV and Fox, also stopped broadcasting in Vietnam.
By Luu Quy – VnExpress.net – January 15, 2025