Further to our previous post , Spain’s broadcasters have switched off the signal of nine TDT channels, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling that set a May 6 deadline to close down the stations.

Atresmedia has closed down three channels, Xplora, Nitro and La Sexta 3; Mediaset, two, La Siete and Nueve; Veo TV and Net TV, two each.

The move has reduced the Spanish TDT market by over a third, from 24 channels to 15.

The situation could worsen should the Supreme Court accept an appeal which argues that eight further TDT channels obtained their licence unlawfully.

The government’s decision to switch off the TV channels in Spain followed a ruling by Spain’s Supreme Tribunal, which said that the last bid for licences in 2010 didn’t follow correct procedure or respect all the rules of competition.

What is TDT in Spain?

TDT in Spain stands for *Televisión Digital Terrestre*, which translates to Digital Terrestrial Television. It is the standard for broadcasting digital television in Spain, replacing the older analog television system. TDT offers viewers improved picture and sound quality, more channels, and additional features like electronic program guides (EPG) and interactive services.

Launched in 2005, TDT became the primary method for receiving television broadcasts in Spain after the analog switch-off, which was completed in 2010. The service includes a mix of public and private channels, providing a wide range of content including news, entertainment, sports, and educational programming. TDT is accessible to viewers via a digital TV set or a digital converter box connected to an older analog TV.

In addition to standard definition (SD) channels, TDT also supports high definition (HD) channels, offering a better viewing experience. It has significantly expanded the number of available channels and provided greater accessibility to regional and local programming, making it a key component of Spain’s broadcasting infrastructure.