bTV is the first private national-wide broadcasting television channel in Bulgaria. It is operated by bTV Media Group, part of Central European Media Enterprises, and is reportedly the Bulgarian television channel with the largest viewing audience. It was previously owned by Balkan News Corporation, part of News Corporation. On February 18, 2010, News Corp announced that it had agreed to sell 100% of bTV (along with bTV Comedy and bTV Cinema) to Central European Media Enterprises, after many months of negotiations. The US $400M deal was completed in the second quarter of 2010. bTV has a 37% market share in Bulgaria.
bTV is broadcast terrestrially in Bulgaria and by satellite in other parts of Europe. Most of the channel's original content is available on its Internet site. bTV's first broadcast was on 1 June 2000 using BNT transmitters for Efir 2. The channel began broadcasting 24 hours a day in 2001 after having gradually extended its programme. From September 2012 the channel began broadcasting an HD version, and the old SD channel converted to 16:9 for most newer programs. bTV is the leading channel in bTV Media Group along with - bTV Comedy, bTV Cinema, bTV Action, bTV Lady and RING. bTV also owns six radio stations - bTV Radio, N-JOY, Z-Rock, Classic FM, Jazz FM and Melody radio.
