TARAWA (The Kiribati Independent / Pacific Media Watch): Television Kiribati, the government-owned television station, has closed down.
President Anote Tong said that apart from the TV's serious financial problems, the station lacked expertise and knowledge in television programming and production.
Tong said he was aware of many queries from the public regarding the circumstances surrounding the sudden closure of TV Kiribati.
He said TV Kiribati had reached a point where it could no longer meet all its operating expenses.
Tong said the government was reviewing the station's financial status and would also consider whether there was danger (kabuanibwai) to the public as a result of its closure.
Local media report the outcome of these considerations will determine the government's final decision on the future of Television Kiribati.
TV Kiribati is the only television in Kiribati that broadcasts local and foreign programmes to viewers in South Tarawa and Betio. It was set up in 2004 under the Telecommunications Act 2004.
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