Behind the Scenes of NTV: TVN Director Breaks Silence on Host Salaries and Sexism Allegations
TVN’s Rodrigo Cid Explains Public Channel’s Funding and Operations
Rodrigo Cid, a journalist and member of the TVN board, recently appeared before the Culture Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to discuss the project to modernize public channels. During the discussion, Cid emphasized that TVN has a public mission, which includes operating the children’s cultural channel, NTV, regional centers, and an international signal.
These distinctive features of public television require funding, Cid explained. However, Deputy Jorge Durán (RN) questioned the management of NTV, stating that it transmits content that many Chileans do not like, which some consider to be political indoctrination and the transmission of sexual ideologies.
TVN’s Funding and Operations
Rodrigo Cid responded to concerns about TVN’s funding and operations, explaining that the channel generates resources through various means, including selling advertisements and renting its facilities. He noted that even Mega productions and TV serials are recorded in TVN’s facilities, which helps to generate revenue.
Cid emphasized that public resources are not spent to finance the salaries of TVN’s employees or main faces. Instead, the channel allocates resources generated through its own efforts to pay salaries. This approach allows TVN to operate independently and efficiently, despite the lack of permanent public funding.
TVN’s Infrastructure and Resource Management
Deputy Gustavo Benavente (UDI) suggested that the resources injected into TVN could be used to pay the salaries of the channel’s main faces. However, Cid explained that TVN’s central building is not an empty, unused space. Instead, about 35% to 40% of the building is leased to production companies and other filmmakers, generating additional revenue.
Cid stressed that TVN has sought to make its spaces profitable by leasing studios and other facilities. This approach allows the channel to generate resources and operate efficiently, while also providing opportunities for other filmmakers and production companies.