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The channel is to be established in collaboration with Estonia. The estimated cost of the new channel is similar to that of Estonia's. Work on the concept is currently continuing, and LTV is refusing to reveal any specific sums until the concept is approved by the National Electronic Mass Media Council.

However, "Neka personiga" has found out that, according to the Council's estimate, the state will be requested to cover EUR 3 million in 2016, EUR 5.3 in 2017, and EUR 5.6 in 2018.

Due to these large sums, several ministers are questioning the idea of a third LTV channel, "Neka personiga" reported. Furthermore, there should be an alternative channel in Russian sooner than in 2016.

Transport Minister Anrijs Matiss (Unity) believes that instead of simply commissioning a TV channel in Russian, there should be an open tender in order to pick out the best ideas and synergies, also taking into account the local factors. When asked how he plans to "pressure" the National Electronic Mass Media Council, given that it only has one proposal – a new channel, the minister said that the matter should be further discussed.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Dace Melbarde (VL-TB/LNNK) says: "I hope that the Council, having made only one proposal, will leave, contemplate, and return with several scenarios. This discussion clearly demonstrated that we need to work on several scenarios, as we must reach the local audience in Latgale province in a fast and efficient manner."

The Finance Ministry does not support the idea of an new LTV channel in Russian, Finance Minister Janis Reirs said in an interview with "Latvijas Avize" today.

"Both our and Estonia's wish to establish new television channels seems like a waste of money. If we actually listen to experts, such as Professor Anda Rozukalne, it is clear that we will need at least five years to have such a channel of decent quality. It will be too late then. With the presence of the private media, the country already has a good television and radio infrastructure. It would be logical to buy content from private entities," Reirs explained.

Regardless of the number of studios and technical equipment in the country, for some reason, more "hardware" is needed, notes Reirs. "The Finance Ministry will not support such an initiative. We have already allocated funds to the existing channels that are loyal to Latvia. LTV7, too, has received funding, which is why, instead of buying additional equipment, we should invest in content. We will be never able to invest in media like Russia does, unless we establish a joint and competitive medium on European level."

As reported, the National Electronic Mass Media Council decided on March 19 to approve the establishment of a Latvian Television channel in Russian, the Council informed LETA.

The channel is to be established in collaboration with Estonia. The estimated costs will be similar to Estonia's calculated costs.