Please wait...
Please wait...

Red Bull hands Servus TV reprieve

Red Bull Media House (RBMH) has U-turned on its decision to shut down its Austrian free-to-air channel Servus TV.

Dietrich Mateschitz

Dietrich Mateschitz

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz earlier this week said the channel, which operates in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, had become “economically unsustainable” and was to close.

However, local news outlets are now reporting the channel will remain on air for the foreseeable future, effectively meaning 246 jobs are now safe.

It is understood that Mateschitz’s original decision could have been made because staff had decided to launch a work union. Other reports have suggested that this may have been a PR stunt from Red Bull to boost the channel’s audience.

public_enemy

In a statement the company said: “Red Bull met with representatives from the Workers Council and the Trade Union. Based on a clear understanding of the different positions and points of view, a constructive conversation was held regarding Servus TV.  As the vast majority of employees were against a staff association, the stance of the workforce was respected and all existing reservations were removed. The continuation of the party political independent line was welcomed by all of the involved parties. This is why Red Bull will continue the TV channel. All participants believe that they have reached their respective similar goals.”

Local producers will be taking a sigh of relief as many heavily relied on Servus for commissions. Only last month, Servus appointed Ferdinand Wegscheider as its new station chief.

Servus TV began life as Salzburg TV in 1995 and was initially only available in the Austrian city. The station was sold in 2004 before Red Bull bought into the channel in 2007. It was renamed Servus TV in 2009.

RELATED ARTICLES

Please wait...