The digital television stoush between six remaining Samoan television stations and the Office of the Regulator has found common ground after an intervention by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
One chief executive has revealed they have been offered a reduced tariff to use the new digital broadcasting platform, the Samoa Observer reports.
Galumalemana Faiesea Matafeo of the Samoa Broadcasting Corporation said the monthly tariff had been cut from $US8537 to $US6547.
She indicated that rate would apply for six months from next month, after which it would be reviewed.
The new rate came after the prime minister, the TV operators, the digital platform owner Tuia'opo Andrew Ah Liki, the Office of the Regulator, and the heads of other government agencies met on Tuesday night.
Galumalemana said the local TV stations appreciate the consideration given to their request for a lower tariff, which had started at more than $US12,730 a month.
A request from Tuia'opo for a TV broadcasting licence was denied because it would be a conflict of interest, she said.
Earlier this week the Mormon operated channel BYU TV decided not to move to the digital platform as the tariff being charged was unsustainable for their business model.
BYU's withdrawal from the market takes potential television operators from seven to six.