This channel will broadcast programs made in other countries, informed Luis Acosta, vice-president of the ICRT at the VII Congress of the Cuban Association of Writers and Artists.

TV programs made in about ten countries will be broadcasted in this channel, informed the executive.

The quality of the productions made in recent times by the ICRT has been among the main topics discussed in the event that has the participation of about 400 intellectuals.

Acosta gave some details about the investment plan for this year in that sector. According to the executive it adds up to 15 million dollars and 204 million non convertible pesos.

The plan includes the purchase of new modern equipment, microwave transmission equipment, computing and climate equipment and vehicles, as well as the improvement of the TV and radio buildings.

The executive indicated that several actions to obtain those equipments have find obstacles because of the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the US government.

The investment process will include the construction of the TV Stations in the eastern provinces of Granma and Camaguey and the expansion of the existing in the Isla de la Juventud and Matanzas.

The process also includes the construction or reconstruction of provincial and municipality stations and the construction of he new channel in Havana.

In the last 10 years the ICRT increased the radio stations from 28 up to 91. In 1998 there were only 2 TV stations in Cuba, today there are 5.

Acosta indicated that the start of the channel is expected to occur in the first semester of the year.

(Cubarte)