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Alpha TV
Alpha TV
Alpha TV
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Alpha TV is a Greek free-to-air channel, one of the biggest stations in Greece. The station features a mix of Greek and foreign shows with an emphasis on entertainment. The studios are located in Kifissia and Pallini. Alpha TV is owned by Alpha Satellite Television S.A. In Cyprus, private broadcaster Sigma TV used to broadcast a number of Alpha's programs. In the past, public service broadcaster CyBC used to broadcast Alpha TV programs. In 2015, Alpha TV Cyprus was founded, and broadcast the Alpha TV Programs and others of its own. Alpha TV Cyprus is now one of the highest-rated Cypriot channels.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]
  • 1993: Skai TV was launched to compete with Mega and ANT1 similar to ERT Channels. It began broadcasting with a heavy emphasis on news and sports. At the time, its sister station was the #1 ranked radio station in Athens, Skai 100.4.
  • 1994: Skai TV began to exchange family/children's programmes from Star Channel with Alpha's children's programming.
  • 1999: Skai TV sold, renamed Alpha Sky, later A-Sky during a transition period and now to Alpha TV.
  • 2002: Alpha TV begins broadcast of its international network called Alpha Australia and signs up with UBI World TV to make it available outside of Australia as well as Asia and Africa.
  • 2007: Alpha TV launches its channel Alpha Sat into North America on DirecTV.
  • 2008: Alpha Australia debuts in New Zealand via UBI World TV. Alpha TV sold to RTL Group, who now control the majority share in the company.
  • 2012: RTL Group sell their share to Dimitris Kontominas, giving him full control of the channel.
  • 2016: On 4 April, makes premiere the Cypriot version, called Alpha TV Cyprus.

When the channel was called Skai TV, it was written using Greek letters. It was Latinized and changed to a blue font in 1999 when Tsotsoros bought it from Giannis Alafouzos. In September 1999, it became Alpha-Sky before changing to its present name in October of the same year. The logo was retained despite the changes in the channel's name.

The font letters in 2003 changed and a circle was added over Alpha, but the two As (alphas) remain. In the 2005-2006 season, the logo was changed to Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, to reflect the channel's popularity. This season, a new version was introduced and is coloured with red. The logo was updated prior to the launch of the 2007–2008 season.

In December 2008, Dimitris Kontominas sold a majority share (66.6%) of Alpha TV to Luxembourg media company RTL Group. Kontominas will continue to be involved with Alpha as he still owns 33.4% and has been named the president of the new holding company called Alpha Media Group.

In March 2009, the company made significant changes to the news programming output. The afternoon news show has been cut to 15 minutes in duration and now airs at 14:00. The main evening news has also moved from the highly competitive slot of 20:00 and instead broadcasts at 19:00.

On 5 January 2012, RTL Group announced that they had reached an agreement to sell their share to minority owner Dimitris Kontominas, making him once again the full owner of the channel. The deal was finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2012.[2][3]

In the summer of 2018, some of its shows moved to Star Channel facilities and on October 30, the purchase of 50.1% of his shares by the Vardinogiannis group was announced, which later acquired the remaining shares, making him the full owner.[4][5]

In mid-2022, Primos Media, owned by an investment group in Luxembourg, acquired half of the channel's shares, which was later sold to United Group, with the other half and management remaining with the Vardinogiannis group.

Current programs

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Talk shows

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  • Happy Day (2014–today)
  • Super Katerina (2021–today)

Game show

[edit]

Soap operas

[edit]

Former shows

[edit]

Soap operas

[edit]
  • Asteria stin ammo (2019–2020)
  • Ela sti thesi mou (2016–2021)
  • San Oikogeneia (2016–2017)
  • Kato apo tin Akropoli (2001–2003)

Game shows

[edit]
  • Divided (2019–2020)
  • Pano Kato (2019–2020)
  • Nota Mia (2017–2018)
  • Slam (2017–2018)
  • Ready Steady Cook (2017)
  • Akou ti eipan! (2013–2016)
  • Fatus Olous (2008–2010)
  • To pio megalo pazari (2006–2007)
  • Poios thelei na ginei ekatommyriouhos? (2006)
  • Diplo Paihnidi (2004–2005)

Talk shows / variety shows

[edit]
  • Style me up (2021–2022)
  • Pop Up (2020–2021)
  • Ora gia Meleti (2020)
  • Mi Masas (2020)
  • Adelina xtypa to koudouni (2020)
  • Menoume Alpha (2020)
  • Ektos Grammis ston Alpha (2019–2020)
  • Alpha Pantou (2018–2021)
  • Ti Leei? (2018–2019)
  • Alpha Reportage (2017–2019)
  • To kalytero zevgari (2017)
  • Eurodata (2017)
  • Xanadeste tous (2016–2017)
  • Logo Tivis (2015–2016)
  • Spiti mou spitaki mou (2014-2017)
  • Ola Paizoun (2014–2015)
  • Kairos sto para deka (2014–2015)
  • Proino Reportage (2014–2015)
  • Kalokairi Pantou (2014)
  • Shop TV (2013–2017)
  • Eleni (2011–2020)
  • Deste tous! (2009–2014)
  • Kati Psinete (2009–2017)
  • Pano stin ora (2009–2011)
  • Siga min katso na skaso (2008–2009)
  • Ti paizei simera (2007–2008)
  • Alithies kai Psemata (2007)
  • Kous Kous to mesimeri (2005–2011)
  • Kafes me tin Eleni (2005–2011)
  • Apo Kardias (2005–2006)
  • Mageirevontas me ti Vefa (2005–2006)
  • Kalimera sas (2004–2009)
  • Proino Kous Kous (2004–2005)
  • Me tin kali ennoia vevaia (2004)
  • Kainourgia Mera (2002–2006)
  • Boro (2001–2004)
  • Kalos tous / 11 kai kati (2001–2004)
  • Kainourgia Imera (2000–2001)
  • Apo to Alpha os to omega (1999–2000)

Alpha Cyprus

[edit]

Alpha TV Cyprus founded in 2015. A year later, in April 2016, begins operations. Alpha TV Cyprus broadcasts across the country. The channel broadcasts Alpha Greece programs, and also new Cypriot programs. Now, Alpha TV Cyprus is one of the highest-rated channels in Cyprus, with a 13.5% share.[1]

Alpha Sat

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Alpha Sat is the international service of the channel of the same name for the Greek diaspora. It broadcasts its program in Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North America. Alpha Sat launched in Australia in May 2002 and in June 2008 in New Zealand. In June 2012, UBI World TV ceased operations, and as a result, Alpha Sat was temporarily unavailable to viewers in Australia. In January 2013, the channel re-launched via TV Plus, an upstart satellite provider.

In North America, Alpha Sat launched in May 2007 in the United States on the DirecTV platform. On 1 January 2011, Alpha Sat moved to a rival satellite platform Dish Network.

On May 14, 2013, was officially added to the CRTC's approved the list of foreign services, allowing the channel to expand into Canada. Odyssey, who sponsored the application to get the channel on the approved list, is the official Canadian distributor of the channel.[6] Alpha Sat officially launched in Canada on 30 July 2013, via Rogers Cable and Vidéotron. It is also available on Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV.

Reporters

[edit]
  • Dimos Verikios
  • Antonis Sroiter
  • Nikos Manesis

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alpha TV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alpha TV is a leading Greek free-to-air television channel that launched on 27 September 1999, succeeding the earlier Skai TV and establishing itself as one of the country's major broadcasters with nationwide reach.
The channel is jointly owned by United Media Sarl, which acquired a 50% stake in June 2025 following European Commission approval, and Motor Oil Hellas, which holds the remaining 50%.
Alpha TV offers a diverse lineup of family-oriented programming, including original Greek fiction series, live entertainment shows, daily news bulletins via Alpha News, and popular international movies and series.
It also provides digital extensions through its official website, featuring live streaming, on-demand video content, and exclusive episodes of its productions, accessible across Greece and select international markets.
Over its more than 25 years of operation, Alpha TV has become a cornerstone of Greek media, hosting prominent talent and formats while adapting to digital trends to maintain strong viewer engagement.

History

Origins and launch

Skai TV, the predecessor to Alpha TV, was founded by shipowner and launched as a private nationwide television channel in in 1993. The channel emerged during a period of media liberalization following the of in the late , aiming to challenge the dominance of the state-owned (ERT) and established private broadcasters such as and Antenna. Headquartered in , Skai TV was part of the broader Skai media group, which had originated as a radio station in under Alafouzos's ownership. From its inception, Skai TV emphasized news, sports, and informational programming to attract viewers in a competitive market. The channel secured for international sports events and acquired content from foreign networks, including family-oriented and children's programs exchanged with other stations, to diversify its offerings beyond domestic productions. This focus helped position Skai TV as a key player in Greece's burgeoning private television sector, where audience shares for private channels collectively surged from minimal penetration in the late to over 80% by the mid-1990s, driven by increased and viewer preference for commercial content. Key early milestones included rapid expansion of its signal coverage across the country and the establishment of partnerships for content acquisition, which bolstered its initial audience growth amid the proliferation of over 100 private TV stations by the decade's end. By the late 1990s, Skai TV had solidified its presence in the Greek media landscape, though financial pressures led to its sale in September 1999 to entrepreneur Dimitris Kontominas, setting the stage for its subsequent rebranding as Alpha TV.

Rebranding and early expansion

In September 1999, following its acquisition by businessman Dimitris Kontominas, the channel formerly known as underwent a transitional to Alpha Sky, signaling a shift toward a more entertainment-oriented identity. This temporary name lasted only a short period, with the full to Alpha TV completed on 27 October 1999, introducing a modern blue-toned logo and a revamped visual style that emphasized accessibility and appeal to a wider demographic. The coincided with a significant overhaul of the programming slate, prioritizing entertainment content to differentiate Alpha TV from its news-heavy predecessor. Key additions included the launch of major soap operas and popular talk shows, which drew in viewers through dramatic storytelling and celebrity-driven discussions, helping to reposition the channel as a leader in and lifestyle programming. This strategic focus on relatable, high-engagement formats contributed to Alpha TV's rapid integration into the competitive Greek television landscape. Alpha TV's early expansion efforts extended beyond terrestrial broadcasting into satellite services, with the introduction of Alpha Digital on 29 October 2001 as Greece's second digital pay-TV platform. This venture broadcast Alpha TV alongside thematic channels and served as a precursor to international operations, including early testing of distribution for overseas Greek audiences around 2002, laying the groundwork for later global reach. The channel's market positioning paid off in terms of viewership growth, transforming it into one of Greece's top private broadcasters by the mid-2000s. Audience share data from shows Alpha TV achieving 14.6% in 2001, up from 15.8% in 1998 (pre-full rebrand stabilization), and holding steady at 13.1% by 2005 amid intensifying competition from channels like ANT1 and MEGA. This consistent performance underscored the success of its entertainment-driven strategy in capturing a significant portion of the national audience.

Ownership transitions and recent developments

In 2008, , a major European broadcaster, acquired a 66.6% majority stake in Alpha Media Group, the parent company of Alpha TV, from Greek entrepreneur Dimitris Kontominas for approximately €125 million, marking RTL's entry into the market. This transaction provided Alpha TV with international expertise and resources amid growing competition in Greek television. However, the Greek financial crisis intensified in 2011, leading RTL to reassess its international investments; by early 2012, RTL sold its entire stake back to Kontominas for a reported €1, restoring his full control of the station. The divestment was attributed to economic instability and declining advertising revenues in , allowing Alpha TV to navigate the crisis under local ownership. Kontominas retained ownership until 2018, when the Vardinogiannis family, through Motor Oil Hellas—a leading Greek energy company—began investing in Alpha TV to diversify its portfolio beyond oil refining. In October 2018, a subsidiary of Motor Oil acquired a controlling 50% stake in Alpha Satellite Television S.A., the operating entity for Alpha TV, for €21.5 million, injecting capital for operational stability. This move aligned with Greece's post-crisis media landscape, where energy conglomerates sought media assets for influence and synergy. By early 2020, following approval from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC), Motor Oil completed the acquisition of the remaining shares, achieving 100% ownership and full strategic control for an additional €4.45 million. In July 2022, announced the sale of a 50% stake in Alpha TV to Media S.a.r.l., an entity linked to —a pan-European telecom and media firm—for €41 million, resulting in joint ownership between Hellas (50%) and (50%). This restructuring complied with Greek media concentration rules under Law 2644/2018 and subsequent amendments, which limit cross-ownership in and telecom to foster . The transaction underwent scrutiny by the HCC to ensure no undue market dominance. On June 17, 2025, the granted unconditional approval for —a —to formalize its 50% acquisition, clearing antitrust concerns and enabling deeper integration of Alpha TV into United's regional media ecosystem. Recent developments under this joint have emphasized content innovation and regulatory adaptation. In , Alpha TV acquired a 50% stake in Green Pixel Productions, a leading Greek content creator, forming a key partnership for like high-rated series and films, which has bolstered Alpha's viewership amid digital shifts. Post-2020, Alpha TV has responded to evolving Greek media regulations, including the 2022 Media Law (5005/2022) modernizing licensing and transparency requirements, by enhancing disclosure of structures and participating in HCC-mandated audits to maintain compliance while expanding digital offerings. These steps reflect broader industry efforts to balance consolidation with pluralism in Greece's recovering media sector.

Corporate structure and operations

Current ownership

As of November 2025, Alpha TV is equally owned by two major entities: , controlled by the Vardinogiannis family, which holds a 50% stake, and United Media Sarl, the media arm of the —a leading telecoms and in Southeastern Europe—which also holds 50% following its acquisition in June 2025. This joint ownership structure reflects a aimed at combining energy sector influence with media and telecommunications expertise. The operating entity responsible for Alpha TV's day-to-day activities is Alpha S.A., a based in that oversees content production, transmission, and distribution. The company's includes key appointments from the 2025 ownership change, such as George Lamprou, CEO of Nova (a subsidiary), serving as a non-executive member, and Kiki Silvestriadou, a senior executive, as deputy chief executive officer and vice chair. Alpha S.A. maintains compliance with Greek regulations, including those enforced by the National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV), and the June 2025 acquisition received unconditional approval from the to ensure adherence to EU competition rules. Financially, Alpha TV derives the majority of its revenue from advertising sales, supplemented by syndication and production partnerships, with the channel's strong viewership in free-to-air television supporting robust ad income in the Greek market. The shared ownership with fosters synergies with the latter's telecom assets, such as Nova's pay-TV and broadband services, enabling enhanced , integrated platforms, and expanded content distribution across digital and traditional channels. This ownership arrangement has influenced Alpha TV's content strategy by facilitating access to United Media's regional production resources, including a 50% stake in Green Pixel for , which supports increased collaboration on high-quality entertainment and news formats while maintaining the channel's focus on family-oriented Greek content.

Broadcasting infrastructure

Alpha TV's primary broadcasting infrastructure relies on the (DTT) network operated by Digea, a including Alpha TV, which delivers signals across using technology. This setup enables nationwide transmission in high-definition (HD) format, supporting both HD and standard-definition (SD) feeds to accommodate varying receiver capabilities. The Digea network covers approximately 96% of 's population through 156 transmitter sites, ensuring broad accessibility for viewing without subscription requirements. Complementing terrestrial delivery, Alpha TV is available via on Hellas Sat 3 at 39°E (frequency 12414 H, 8PSK, MPEG-4 HD) for domestic and European reception, and on 9B at 9°E (frequency 12207 H, 8PSK, MPEG-4) for additional coverage to communities in . As part of United Media's portfolio following the 2025 acquisition of a 50% stake in , the channel integrates with IPTV services like Nova, allowing seamless distribution over networks to subscribers while maintaining its status. Key technical milestones include the initial digital upgrade in the , with Digea launching operations in 2009 and completing the analogue switch-off by 2015, transitioning to full DTT . A second digital transition began in November 2020, optimizing spectrum use and enhancing signal parameters under standards, though has yet to fully implement as of 2025. Compliance with post-2023 energy efficiency directives has also driven upgrades in transmission equipment to reduce power consumption across the network.

Studios and production facilities

Alpha TV's main studios are located in , a suburb north of , at 36 Viltanioti Street, where the channel has conducted production activities since its launch in 1999. These facilities serve as the primary hub for live programming, including news and talk shows, and are equipped with four TV studios supported by two control rooms. The setup allows for real-time broadcasting and on-site production essential to the channel's daily operations. Complementing the site, Alpha TV operates secondary production facilities in Pallini, , focused on scripted content and . The Pallini complex is a multi-purpose building covering 8,150 square meters, featuring four TV studios with three dedicated control rooms, along with support areas and offices. These studios facilitate the creation of original Greek series and other fiction programming through in-house capabilities. The production infrastructure is largely managed via Green Pixel Productions, a content production house in which Alpha TV holds a 50% ownership stake, enabling the facilities to generate high-rated original content across both locations. This combined setup, with multiple soundstages and control infrastructure, supports the channel's extensive output while integrating with broader via Digea for nationwide distribution.

Programming

Current entertainment programs

Alpha TV's current lineup features a mix of longstanding talk and variety shows alongside new scripted adaptations and game formats, emphasizing family-oriented dramas and light-hearted competitions. These programs air daily or weekly, contributing to the channel's focus on relatable Greek storytelling and celebrity-driven content. Among the prominent talk shows, Happy Day has been a morning staple since 2014, now in its 13th season as of 2025, hosted by Stamatina Tsimtsili. The variety program delivers a blend of interviews, segments, and humorous discussions, airing weekdays from 7:40 to 10:00 a.m. and fostering a lively, engaging atmosphere for viewers starting their day. Similarly, Super Katerina, hosted by Katerina Kainourgiou, returned for its fifth season in 2025, offering interviews, fashion tips, and topical debates in a modernized format that airs weekdays at 10:00 a.m., appealing to audiences seeking contemporary entertainment. In the game show category, Money Drop premiered on November 3, 2025, as a fresh addition to Alpha TV's evenings, hosted by Fani Mouratidis and airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 11:50 p.m. Contestants begin with a 200,000 prize and must answer questions to retain portions of it by dropping money into safe zones, creating high-stakes excitement in team-based challenges. The format, which debuted seasonally in 2020, influenced Alpha's offerings as a former program. Scripted series dominate the primetime slots, with several 2025 premieres highlighting international adaptations and original dramas. Na me les mama, an of Nippon TV's acclaimed Mother, premiered on September 25, 2025, as Alpha TV's first major international scripted format of the year, marking the 11th global version of the series. This eight-episode explores a teacher's intervention in an abused child's life, delving into themes of resilience and hidden trauma, and aired Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. before concluding its first season on October 23, 2025, with strong viewer resonance for its emotional depth. O Timoros, a thriller that began in 2024, continues into 2025, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.; it follows a man reborn after betrayal, seeking justice through intricate plots and alliances, solidifying its role as a gripping nightly . Na m' agapas, the Greek remake of the Turkish hit Valley of Hearts, launched on October 6, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. on Mondays, portraying twins confronting their past in amid family secrets and forbidden romances, noted for its scenic production and cultural impact. Long-running favorites like the family To Soi Sou, entering its sixth season on October 31, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, deliver comedic takes on in-law dynamics, while Oikogeneiakes Istories, a scripted reality series since 2010, airs weekdays at 6:00 p.m. in its ninth season, unpacking everyday family conflicts through relatable narratives of greed, passion, and deceit. These series collectively underscore Alpha TV's strategy of blending local flavors with proven global formats, enhancing viewer engagement in 2025.

Current news and information programs

Alpha TV's primary news offering is the daily central bulletin Alpha News, which airs at 18:50 and provides comprehensive coverage of national and international events, including political developments, economic updates, and breaking stories. This flagship program, established as a cornerstone of the channel's informational programming, delivers in-depth reporting led by experienced anchors and has maintained its evening slot to capture peak viewership during . In the mornings, news segments are integrated into the lifestyle and talk show Happy Day ston Alpha, broadcast from 07:45 to 10:00, where hosts discuss current events alongside entertainment topics, offering viewers a blend of timely updates and analysis to start the day. Complementing this, dedicated current affairs programs like Protagonistes explore in-depth stories on societal issues, airing episodes that highlight human interest angles within broader news contexts throughout the 2024-2025 season. For investigative content, Alpha TV features Avopsia, a weekly series that delves into major topics such as Greek politics, economic challenges, and public scandals through on-the-ground reporting and exclusive interviews, with episodes in 2025 addressing domestic governance issues and policy implications. This program emphasizes revelations and contextual analysis, contributing to the channel's reputation for probing on pressing national matters. Alpha TV's news and information programs consistently rank in the top three for audience reach in Greece, with Alpha News achieving a 32% weekly offline reach in 2024 according to Reuters Institute data, reflecting strong viewer engagement amid competitive ratings measured by Nielsen.

Former notable programs

Among the prominent former soap operas broadcast on Alpha TV was Ela sti thesi mou, a daily comedy-drama series that aired from October 2016 to July 2021, spanning five seasons and over 900 episodes. The show, created by Giorgos Kritikos and produced by JK Productions, revolved around family dynamics, romance, and workplace intrigue, starring actors such as Athina Oikonomakou, Giannis Tsimitselis, and Evagelia Siriopoulou. It achieved peak popularity by leading the ratings for four consecutive seasons, remaining the top-rated program in its time slot and appealing to a broad audience with its relatable humor and character-driven narratives. The series concluded after its fifth season amid shifting viewer preferences and production costs influenced by Greece's economic challenges in the late 2010s. Another significant ended soap opera was Asteria stin ammo, which ran from November 2019 to March 2020, adapting the bestselling novel by Rena Rossi-Zairi published in 2018. Set against the backdrop of , the drama explored themes of love, loss, and family secrets across generations, featuring a cast including Mirto Alikaki, Petros Lagoutis, and Kostas Fasolas. Produced in collaboration with Alpha TV Cyprus, it garnered attention for its island setting and emotional storytelling but ended after one season due to moderate ratings and the broader on production schedules. In the realm of game shows, Divided (known in Greek as Μοιρασιά) aired from October 2019 to June 2020, adapting the international format from Dutch producer Talpa. Hosted by contestants who deliberated offers from a mysterious "trader" to divide cash prizes, the show emphasized psychological tension and group decision-making. Acquired as part of Alpha TV's strategy to refresh its lineup with high-stakes entertainment, it ran for one season before cancellation, reflecting post-2010s economic pressures on ad-supported programming that favored cost-effective imports over original formats. Talk and variety shows from the 2000s and 2010s also marked Alpha TV's output, with programs like Pop Up (2020–2021) offering celebrity interviews and lifestyle segments in a casual format, ending after one season amid declining live-audience viability during the pandemic. Earlier, shows such as Apo to Alpha os to Omega (1999–2000) blended variety sketches and discussions but were short-lived due to early-channel instability. Many of these ended in the wake of Greece's 2010 , which reduced advertising budgets and prompted a shift toward cheaper foreign content, leading to ratings dips for domestic productions. The legacy of these former programs underscores Alpha TV's role in the Greek soap opera surge during the 2000s and 2010s, where daily serials like Ela sti thesi mou drove viewership trends and cultural conversations around family and social issues, even as economic downturns curtailed their longevity.

International operations

Alpha TV Cyprus

Alpha TV Cyprus launched in April 2016 as a localized version of the Greek Alpha TV channel, replacing the earlier Alfa TV and targeting the Greek Cypriot audience with content adapted to local preferences and regulations. The channel emerged from the merger of Lumiere TV and Alfa TV on October 13, 2015, establishing Alpha Television Cyprus Ltd. as the operating entity to provide free-to-air broadcasting across the island. The channel is owned by Alpha Radio and Television Company Ltd., with ultimate control held by Cypriot entities including Χ.Α. Papahellinas Emporiki Ltd. and individuals such as Andreas Papaellinas, who serves as a key principal; it maintains an affiliation with Alpha TV Greece for content sharing but operates independently under local ownership since a 2018 acquisition that placed full control in Cypriot hands. Its studios are located at Arch. Kyprianou 5, Latsia 2235, in the , serving as the hub for production and broadcasting operations. Programming consists of a mix of imported Greek series, such as "Η Γη της Ελιάς" and "Άγιος Έρωτας," alongside local productions including news bulletins like "Κεντρικό Δελτίο" and entertainment shows such as "Λουης Night Show," with some shared content from the mainland Greek channel to complement Cypriot-specific offerings. Alpha TV Cyprus holds a significant audience share in the Cypriot market, reported at 15.1% for general viewership as of December 2022, positioning it as one of the leading private channels ahead of competitors like RIK 1 (13%) and Antenna TV (10.1%). In 2025, the channel expanded its local news coverage amid major political events in , including the October in the Turkish-occupied north, where opposition candidate Tufan Erhurman secured victory, prompting increased on-air analysis and reporting to address island-wide implications for reunification talks and bilateral relations. This focus on timely local journalism, delivered through daily bulletins and special segments, has helped maintain viewer engagement during a period of heightened political tension.

Alpha Sat and global reach

Alpha Sat, the dedicated international satellite service of Alpha TV, was launched on January 1, 2002, specifically targeting Greek expatriates in Europe, North America, and Australia to provide access to homeland programming. This service extends the channel's reach beyond Greece by broadcasting via multiple satellite platforms, including Eutelsat 172B for regions in Europe and Asia-Pacific, as well as Hellas Sat 3 for broader coverage in the Mediterranean and beyond. In North America, Alpha Sat became available on DirecTV starting in May 2007 before transitioning to Dish Network in January 2011, where it remains part of the Greek Elite package. The service delivers the complete Alpha TV programming lineup, including news, entertainment, and cultural content, with added English subtitles for select foreign-language shows to enhance accessibility for second-generation diaspora viewers. Diaspora-focused segments, such as special reports on expatriate communities and events in host countries, are incorporated into news bulletins to foster a connection with global Greek audiences. As of 2025, the platform has integrated limited streaming options for satellite subscribers, allowing seamless access across devices while maintaining its core satellite transmission. Alpha Sat reaches an estimated audience of over 5 million potential viewers worldwide, aligning with the size of the global , which stands at between 5 and 7 million people primarily in the United States, , , and . This broad availability supports targeted international advertising, generating significant revenue streams for Alpha TV through partnerships with global brands appealing to ethnic markets. Following the 2022 ownership shift, where Hellas sold a 50% stake to Primos Media for €41 million, and the subsequent 2025 acquisition of that stake by Sarl, the service has experienced growth in viewership and ad sales, bolstered by enhanced distribution agreements post-acquisitions.

Digital presence

Online platforms and streaming

Alpha TV maintains a robust online presence through its official website, alphatv.gr, which serves as the primary hub for delivery in . The platform offers free live streaming of the channel's full programming schedule, including , , and series, accessible via a dedicated live section. Additionally, it features a comprehensive (VOD) library under the WEB TV category, providing full episodes of popular shows such as dramas, comedies, and reality series, with content updated regularly to include recent broadcasts. A notable example of VOD integration is the 2025 premiere of the drama series Na me les mama, a Greek adaptation of Nippon TV's Mother, which became available on-demand shortly after its September 25 debut, allowing viewers to catch up on episodes at their convenience. This service supports geographic restrictions based on broadcasting rights, limiting full access primarily to users within Greece while offering partial content internationally. Alpha TV has incorporated Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) technology to enhance viewer access on connected devices, launched in the as part of Greece's evolving digital TV landscape. This integration enables hybrid services like catch-up TV and interactive features directly on smart TVs, blending traditional broadcast with broadband streaming for seamless episode replays and supplemental content. For instance, Na me les mama episodes are streamed via HbbTV, facilitating on-demand viewing without additional apps on compatible televisions. Complementing the website, Alpha TV's official mobile application, ALPHA TV LIVE, available on Android and iOS platforms, extends these services to portable devices. Updated in October 2025, the app delivers live streaming of the entire channel lineup and select VOD clips, optimized for smartphones and tablets to provide an on-the-go viewing experience. It includes features such as episode previews and program schedules, contributing to a growing user base amid rising mobile consumption trends in Greece. In June 2025, Sarl acquired a 50% equity stake in Alpha TV, approved by the , which has facilitated synergies in within United Group's broader media and telecom portfolio. This partnership enables bundled streaming options through integrated platforms, enhancing accessibility for subscribers across South East Europe while maintaining Alpha TV's core model.

Social media and audience engagement

Alpha TV leverages social media to foster audience interaction, primarily through platforms like , , and , where it shares promotional content, show clips, and behind-the-scenes material. On , the official channel boasts 1.38 million subscribers as of November 2025, featuring short clips from programs such as Super Katerina, which attract thousands of views per video and highlight guest appearances and key segments to drive viewership back to linear broadcasts. Instagram and TikTok serve as key venues for teasers and viral promotions, with the @alphatv account maintaining 317,000 followers and posting reels of upcoming episodes, while the @alphatv_official page has 246,200 followers and over 20.9 million likes, emphasizing short-form videos to capture younger demographics. Engagement tactics include live previews and hashtag-driven campaigns, such as those for new episodes of O Timoros in 2025, where teasers incorporating #viralvideo and #timoros garnered significant interactions to build anticipation for the series. These efforts integrate with streaming platforms by cross-promoting on-demand episodes, enhancing overall digital retention. In the context of Greece's challenging media environment, broader concerns over press freedom, including and threats to journalists, affect online discourse. The channel's strategy emphasizes community building through polls and shares during live broadcasts, contributing to sustained audience loyalty despite these pressures.

Key personnel

News reporters and anchors

Antonis Sroiter serves as the lead for Alpha TV's primary news programs, having joined the channel in March 2009 as the main presenter of its central bulletin. Born in 1974 in and a father of two, Sroiter is recognized for his , particularly through hosting the long-running program Autopsia, which delves into in-depth stories on social and issues. Maria Nikoltsiou has been a prominent and at Alpha TV since 2000, contributing to the channel's coverage with a focus on domestic . A native and sociology graduate, she also produces content for Alpha Radio 98.9, bringing over two decades of experience to her on-air role. Evangelia Tsikrika functions as a key political , specializing in governmental affairs and accredited to cover the Hellenic Presidency. Her reporting emphasizes policy developments and political analysis, enhancing Alpha TV's depth in national news. Laura Ioannou holds the position of chief political and financial editor within Alpha TV's news division, overseeing coverage of economic and governmental topics. As a seasoned commentator, she provides expert insights into and political events. The news team at Alpha TV comprises a diverse group of experienced reporters, spanning expertise in , , international affairs, and investigative reporting. This structure supports comprehensive daily bulletins and special segments, ensuring broad coverage of current events.

Executive leadership

Following the acquisition of a 50% equity stake in Alpha TV by United Media Sarl in June 2025, the channel's executive leadership saw key appointments to align operations with the new joint ownership structure alongside Hellas. Kiki Silvestriadou was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, a role in which she supports oversight of programming, finances, and strategic initiatives, including digital enhancements. Silvestriadou, who retains her position as CEO of Nova Media, brings extensive media experience to drive content adaptations and operational efficiencies in 2025. George Lamprou, CEO of Nova and a senior executive, joined as a Non-Executive Member of the , contributing to high-level decisions on international expansion and . The board's composition balances input from both co-owners, with representatives like Silvestriadou and Lamprou complementing Motor Oil's influence to prioritize digital strategy and global outreach post-acquisition. Christos Kompos serves as Program Director, managing content development and 2025 programming adaptations such as international format localizations.

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