The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) is the public broadcaster of the Republic of Cyprus.
CyBC is a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is based in Geneva. It is also a member of the Commonwealth Broadcasters Association (CBΑ), the Permanent Conference of Mediterranean Audiovisual Operators (COPEAM) and the European Association of Regional Television (CIRCOM). In addition, it is a founding shareholder of EuroNews.
As stipulated in national legislation, the mission of CyBC is to provide public broadcasting services within the Republic, responding directly to the democratic, social and cultural needs of Cypriot society and to the need to secure pluralism and cultural and linguistic diversity in mass media, including a balanced package of services consisting of informative, cultural and entertainment programs, public service programs, programs addressed to overseas Cypriots, and transmissions related to national emergencies and civil protection efforts.
CyBC is a public corporation governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed for a three-year term by the Council of Ministers. The Director General is the chief executive officer, appointed by the Board of Directors and endorsed by the Council of Ministers.
The first steps in broadcasting in Cyprus were taken in spring 1951, during the British rule. The first radio programs were aired on 4 October 1953. The first TV programs were aired on 1 October 1957 with the first official broadcast on 15 October. Upon independence of Cyprus in 1960, the “Cyprus Broadcasting Service” became the “Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation”.
The creative flurry in all departments of CyBC that followed independence led to the rapid development of the organization. Programs increased, services were staffed, office and studio facilities were built, and transmitter and relay stations were installed. Transmission increased gradually to 24 hours per day, both on radio and on television. Programs are transmitted throughout the world either via the satellite channel RIKSAT or via Internet (www.cybc.com.cy).
Radio
CYBC RADIO services include four channels, each with its own special identity:
- The First Channel (FM 97.2 ΜHz, 92.4 ΜHz and MW:963 KΗz MW) has been on the air since the early 1950s. Today, it transmits news, current affairs, and cultural and musical programs in Greek. It also transmits programs made especially for the Maronite and Latin (Catholic) religious groups. In addition, it airs programs for overseas Cypriots. One such program, entitled “Cyprus, my home country” is sent to and re-broadcast by 22 Greek-language radio stations throughout the world.
- The Second Channel (FM:91.1ΜΗz and 97.9 MHz) has been on the air since the mid-1950s. It broadcasts news, current affairs and entertainment in English, Turkish and Armenian. It also transmits programs for visitors in English, French and German.
- The Third Channel (FM:94.8, 94.0MHz and MW:603) has been on the air since September 1990 and steadily tops ratings out of all radio stations in Cyprus, boasting thousands of overseas Cypriots as its most loyal listeners. It transmits news and current affairs and talk shows on current issues of general interest, all in Greek, as well as musical programs, with the participation of listeners.
- The Fourth Channel (FM:88.2 MHz and 90.2 MHz) first aired in 2002 re-broadcasting the Greek radio channel Love Radio and was renamed the “The Fourth” in 2006. It transmits light Greek and international music. It also relays news bulletins broadcast by the First and Third Channels, as well as the main TV news bulletin at 20.00 hours Cyprus time.
Television
CYBC TV includes two channels, CyBC1 and CyBC2, each with its own distinct identity.
CyBC1 has been on the air since the late 1950s, initially in black and white and since December 1982 in colour (PAL as of 1991). It broadcasts in Greek news and current affairs, popular series and films.
CyBC2 was inaugurated in 1992, with a separate identity. It broadcasts children’s and sports programs in Greek, and news bulletins in Turkish and English. It also features a daily bi-communal program called “ΒΙΖ/ΕΜΕΙΣ” (We) in Greek and Turkish, focusing on issues of interest to both Turkish and Greek Cypriots, in addition to cultural programs and films.
RIK-SAT broadcasts all CyBC productions (news and current affairs, theatrical plays, documentaries and local sports), as well as religious services and international sports events.
Most television programs and the three radio (First, Second and Third) programs of CyBC, including their news and current affairs, are available free of charge on its Internet website at www.cybc.com.cy.
Within the context of a decision by the Republic of Cyprus to introduce digital television, CyBC has shifted to digital transmission of its programs.
For more details and updates please refer to CyBC’s website: www.cybc.com.cy
