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Argentine Airwaves

A chronicle of television's evolution in Argentina, from its nascent broadcast days to the multifaceted digital landscape.

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The Argentine Television Landscape

Household Penetration

Television is a dominant medium in Argentina, with an exceptionally high household ownership rate of 99%. The majority of homes typically possess two television sets, underscoring its central role in daily life.

Delivery Methods

Cable television has emerged as the predominant method for receiving programming, utilized by 73.2% of households. This signifies a significant shift towards subscription-based services for accessing content.

Historical Milestones

Argentine television broadcasting officially commenced on October 17, 1951, with the inauguration of the state-owned Canal 7 (now Televisiรณn Pรบblica). This network continues to boast the most extensive national coverage, complemented by private networks with numerous affiliates across the country.

Global Influence

Argentina holds a significant position in the global television industry, ranking as the fourth most important country for television format exports. It trails only the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in this domain.

Broadcasting Standards

The nation's broadcast television system historically employed PAL-N for analog transmissions and has transitioned to ISDB-T for digital television. While analog services persisted in half of television sets until 2017, a complete analogue shutdown is slated for completion by June 30, 2025.

A Journey Through Time

Beginnings (1945โ€“1959)

The initial steps toward television in Argentina began with experimental broadcasts in 1945. The official launch occurred on October 17, 1951, with Canal 7, featuring Eva Perรณn's address. This era saw the introduction of the first newscast, Primer Telenoticioso Argentino, and early telenovelas, alongside popular American programming.

  • 1945: First broadcast license granted for experimental use.
  • 1951: Official launch of state-owned Canal 7.
  • 1954: Premiere of the first newscast, Primer Telenoticioso Argentino.
  • 1957: Decree-law 15460/57 paved the way for private television networks.

Expansion (1960โ€“1973)

The 1960s marked a significant expansion with the launch of private networks like Canal 9, Canal 13, and Teleonce. This period saw foreign investment and technology transfer from US networks (NBC, CBS, ABC), alongside the introduction of recording machines and a surge in specialized magazines.

  • 1960: Launch of Canal 12 (Cรณrdoba), Canal 9, and Canal 13.
  • 1961: Teleonce (later Telefe) began broadcasting.
  • Technical Advancements: Introduction of Ampex recording machines.
  • Popular Programming: Variety shows like El Club del Clan, telenovelas, and American series gained traction.
  • 1969: Coverage of the Moon landing.

Government Intervention (1974โ€“1983)

This period was characterized by significant government control. Licenses expired and were not renewed, leading to state intervention in private networks. The military dictatorship imposed censorship and persecution, while preparations for color television began for the 1978 World Cup, culminating in the official launch of color broadcasts in 1980 under the name Argentina Televisora Color (ATC).

  • 1973-1974: Licenses expired; government intervention began.
  • 1976-1983: Military dictatorship controlled channels, leading to censorship.
  • 1979: Canal 7 renamed ATC (Argentina Televisora Color).
  • 1980: Official inauguration of color television broadcasts.

Return to Private (1984โ€“1999)

With the return of democracy, commercial networks were re-established and privatized. This era saw the rise of influential figures like Alejandro Romay and Hรฉctor Ricardo Garcรญa. Cable television began its development, and satellite television was authorized, expanding viewing options.

  • 1984: Alejandro Romay regained control of Canal 9.
  • 1989: Privatization of Teleonce (renamed Telefe) and Canal 13.
  • 1991: Canal 2 became Amรฉrica Te Ve.
  • 1980s/90s: Popular shows included sketch comedies, telenovelas, and American series.
  • 1998: Canal 13 conducted experimental HD broadcasts.

Present Era (2000โ€“Present)

The new millennium brought reality shows, sitcom adaptations, and increased integration with social media. Networks transitioned to high-definition, and digital television standards (ISDB-T) were adopted. Popular programs like Showmatch and various telenovelas and dramas continued to dominate ratings.

  • 2000s: Rise of reality shows and sitcom adaptations.
  • 2007-2009: Adoption of ISDB-T for digital television.
  • 2008: Cablevisiรณn and DirecTV offered HD services.
  • 2010s: Social media integration, popular shows like Showmatch, Floricienta, Casi รngeles.
  • 2018/2022: Launch of new broadcast networks Net TV and Bravo TV.

Broadcast Foundations

System Overview

Argentina's television system is characterized by a decentralized, market-oriented structure. It features a national public television service, Televisiรณn Pรบblica, alongside numerous local media markets with stations affiliated with or owned by national networks.

Major Networks

The landscape is dominated by several key broadcast networks, each with a distinct history and ownership structure, serving as the primary conduits for national programming.

Network Launch Date Type Owner Operator
Televisiรณn Pรบblica October 17, 1951 Public Government of Argentina Radio y Televisiรณn Argentina S.A.
El Nueve June 9, 1960 Private Grupo Octubre Telearte S.A.
El Trece October 1, 1960 Private Clarรญn Group Arte Radiotelevisivo Argentino S.A.
Telefe July 21, 1961 Private Paramount Global Televisiรณn Federal S.A.
Amรฉrica June 25, 1966 Private Grupo Amรฉrica & Claudio Belocopitt Amรฉrica TV S.A.
Net TV October 1, 2018 Private Perfil Kuarzo Entertainment Argentina
Bravo TV March 14, 2022 Private Perfil & Grupo Olmos Estrellas Satelital S.A.

Over-the-Air Networks

These networks provide programming via the "Televisiรณn Digital Abierta" (Open Digital Television) system, ensuring broad accessibility across the nation.

Channel Network Launch Date Type Description
22.1EncuentroMar 5, 2007PublicEducational
22.2PakapakaSep 17, 2010PublicChildren's
22.3AunarOct 17, 2022PublicPublic Television
22.4Cine.ARDec 28, 2010PublicArgentinian Movies
22.5TecSep 12, 2011PublicEducational
23.1Televisiรณn PรบblicaOct 17, 1951PublicPublic Television
23.2Construir TVMar 21, 2011PrivateConstruction/Lifestyle
24.1DeporTVFeb 21, 2013PublicSports
24.2Canal 26Mar 4, 1996PrivateNews
24.3France 24Dec 6, 2006PublicNews
24.4Crรณnica TVJan 3, 1994PrivateNews
24.5Informaciรณn PeriodรญsticaOct 17, 2020PrivateNews
24.6El Destape TVAug 4, 2023PrivateNews
25.1UnifeNov 25, 2019PrivateReligious
25.2C5NAug 6, 2007PrivateNews
25.3La Naciรณn +Nov 7, 2016PrivateNews
25.4TelesurJul 24, 2005PublicNews
25.5RT en EspaรฑolDec 28, 2009PublicNews
25.6Canal EJun 1, 2023PrivateNews

Diverse Programming

Specialty Channels

Beyond general broadcast networks, Argentina offers a wide array of specialty channels catering to specific interests, including news, sports, educational content, cinema, and music.

  • News: A24, C5N, Canal 26, Crรณnica TV, La Naciรณn +, France 24, RT en Espaรฑol.
  • Sports: DeporTV, TyC Sports, TNT Sports, ESPN Premium.
  • Educational: Encuentro, Tec, Construir TV.
  • Children: Pakapaka.
  • Cinema: Cine.AR.
  • Music: CM, Quiero Mรบsica en mi Idioma.
  • Lifestyle/Varieties: El Gourmet, Mรกs Chic.
  • Government: Canal de la Ciudad, Diputados TV, Senado TV.

International Presence

Several international networks are available, providing global perspectives and diverse content to Argentine viewers, including news from France 24 and Telesur.

  • France 24
  • Telesur
  • RT en Espaรฑol

Online Streaming

The digital age has introduced numerous internet television services, offering a mix of free, freemium, and paid subscription models, significantly expanding content accessibility and choice.

  • Free: Pluto TV, Facebook Watch.
  • Freemium: YouTube, Twitch.
  • Paid: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Star+, Paramount+, Lionsgate+, YouTube Premium.

The Rise of Cable

Early Networks

The limitations of broadcast coverage in the late 1950s spurred the development of cable television. Early initiatives in Cรณrdoba and Salta utilized closed-circuit systems and community antennas, with an estimated 30 systems operational by 1966.

Growth and Regulation

By the 1980s, cable television reached approximately 1,000 operators and 300,000 subscribers in Buenos Aires alone, expanding to 2 million nationwide. The sector gained government recognition through the National Telecommunications Law in 1972.

Satellite and Consolidation

The 1990s saw the introduction of satellite television with companies like DirecTV. In 2007, the government authorized the merger of Cablevisiรณn and Multicanal, creating the dominant cable provider with 47% of the market share.

Digital Access

Internet Television

The proliferation of broadband internet has led to a diverse range of online television services. These platforms offer content on-demand, accessible across various devices, fundamentally altering how audiences consume media.

  • Free Services: Pluto TV, Facebook Watch.
  • Freemium Models: YouTube, Twitch.
  • Subscription Services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Star+, Paramount+, Lionsgate+, YouTube Premium.

Audience Measurement

Tracking Viewership

Audience measurement in Argentina has evolved significantly, from early "viewer diaries" to sophisticated electronic "people meters." Companies like IPSA (Nielsen), IBOPE Media, and SMAD have played key roles in quantifying viewership across different demographics and regions.

  • Early Methods: Viewer diaries (IPSA).
  • Electronic Meters: "Home meter" introduced in the 1980s.
  • People Meters: IBOPE introduced this system in 1993, allowing detailed audience segmentation.
  • Modern Systems: SMAD emerged as a competitor, offering digital signal analysis.
  • Social Media: Kantar IBOPE began measuring Twitter audience engagement for TV programs.

Top Performers

The television landscape is highly competitive, with networks and specific programs vying for top ratings. Historical data reveals shifts in dominance, with Telefe and El Trece frequently leading annual performance charts.

Top-Rated Networks and Programs in Argentina
Season Top-Rated Network Top-Rated Program
Network HH Rating Show Network HH Rating
1985Canal 912.5โ€”โ€”โ€”
198611.9โ€”โ€”โ€”
198715.1โ€”โ€”โ€”
198812.5โ€”โ€”โ€”
198914.3โ€”โ€”โ€”
1990Telefe16.2โ€”โ€”โ€”
199115.1โ€”โ€”โ€”
199214.0โ€”โ€”โ€”
199313.2โ€”โ€”โ€”
199411.5โ€”โ€”โ€”
199512.2โ€”โ€”โ€”
199611.6โ€”โ€”โ€”
199713.5โ€”โ€”โ€”
199812.5โ€”โ€”โ€”
199913.5โ€”โ€”โ€”
200012.7โ€”โ€”โ€”
200113.0VideomatchTelefe25.4
200211.2VideomatchTelefe25.3
200312.5Son AmoresEl Trece30.9
200415.0Los RoldรกnTelefe33.1
200514.3ShowmatchCanal 923.6
200614.4ShowmatchEl Trece25.5
200713.0ShowmatchEl Trece26.6
200811.4ShowmatchEl Trece25.7
200911.6ValientesEl Trece27.1
2010El Trece10.1ShowmatchEl Trece29.9
201110.5ShowmatchEl Trece27.4
2012Telefe11.2GraduadosTelefe23.6
20138.6Solamente VosEl Trece12.8
20148.9ShowmatchEl Trece20.6
20158.4ShowmatchEl Trece20.6
20168.9Moisรฉs y los 10 MandamientosTelefe17.3
20178.0ShowmatchEl Trece17.8
20187.7La Voz ArgentinaTelefe16.9
20197.7ShowmatchEl Trece14.0
20208.0MasterChef CelebrityTelefe17.1
20219.0La Voz ArgentinaTelefe20.2
20228.6Gran HermanoTelefe19.4
20238.2Gran HermanoTelefe20.4
20247.82024 Copa AmรฉricaTelefe28.5

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Television in Argentina Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional media analysis, historical research, or consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

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