Mega Channel
MEGA Channel, also known as MEGA TV or just MEGA, is a television network in Greece, that broadcasts a mix of foreign and Greek programming. It is the first and the oldest private television network in Greece.
History
Mega Channel (1989–2018)
Mega is the first private television station to launch in Greece on the 20th of November in 1989 and was the trade name of Teletypos S.A.The channel regularly achieved the top ratings spot in Greece through its varied programming including comedies, dramas, news, current affairs and entertainment shows. Examples include the popular Greek comedies Sto Para Pente, Savatogenimmenes and Maria, i Aschimi.
The channel was also granted the rights to Victoria Hislop's novel The Island. This became a 26 episode drama series called To Nisi. The show was the most expensive show in Greek television history with a budget of €4 million.
Financial problems and subsequent closure
Since 2012, the parent company had been experiencing financial issues due to poor borrowing practises. In 2016, the channels debts were reported to be approximately €116 million. At the same time, reports of staff being unpaid began to emerge.In 2016, it was reported that the company was restructuring loans in order to continue operations. This was despite the fact the company didn't proceed with a share capital increase of 15 million euros that was agreed in exchange for the banks agreeing to extend their return to 2021.
The staff of Mega Channel continued to keep the channel on air despite not being paid and being ignored by the parent company. The decision was taken to cease all news and live programming and instead focus on rebroadcasting content from their extensive program library without commercial breaks.
Mega continued broadcasting until it was removed from the platforms. The channel was removed by Digea at 02:08:36 on the morning of 28 October 2018. The channel was then also removed from pay-TV platforms on 20 November 2018. The channel did continue to broadcast via online streaming from its webpage.
Sale of assets
On 1 November 2019, the Mega Channel branding, logo and vast program library were put up for auction.The winning bid of €33,999,999 belonged to '''Alter Ego Media S.A.'''
Mega Channel (2020–present)
Following the auction, plans were put in place to re-launch Mega.On 17 February 2020, the channel relaunched with a variety of live programming, news, movies and selected programs from its program library.
The channel was using the familiar 'Mega Mou' on-screen branding that was originally used between 2010 and 2014 as well as the new tag line of Mega όπως πάντα!.
However, on June 27, 2021, the channel retired the 'Mega Mou' branding and began to use a new ident package in which objects form the logo.
Broadcasting licences and regulation
Like other private television broadcasters in Greece, MEGA Channel operated for many years under temporary broadcasting arrangements while the national licensing framework for private television was being finalised. During the 1990s and 2000s, the channel continued nationwide broadcasting alongside other major networks while participating in successive licensing procedures.In the late 2010s, the introduction of a revised licensing process for nationwide television channels resulted in significant changes to the broadcasting landscape. MEGA did not secure a nationwide licence during the 2018 tender, which contributed to the cessation of its terrestrial broadcasting later that year. Following its acquisition by Alter Ego Media, the channel returned to air under a new licensing framework.
Current programming
''Programming for the 2025-2026 broadcasting season includes:''Greek
Current shows include:- Koinonia Ora Mega - A revamped version of its predecessor. Current affairs show that examines the issues affecting everyday people in Greece and abroad. Features discussion with in-studio guests. The show is hosted by Iordanis Hasapopoulos and Anthi Voulgari. Airs Monday - Friday at 05:40.
- Live News - hosted by Nikos Evaggelatos. Airs Monday - Friday at 15:40.
- Ekselikseis Tora - hosted by Anastasia Giamali. Airs Weekends at 15:40.
- Mega Gegonota - Daily newscast in Greek featuring news from Greece and around the world. Airs daily 12:45 & 19:45.
- Mega Savvatokiriako - Morning show for the weekend. It features news, sports highlights, current affairs and more. Hosted by Dinos Siomopoulos and Stella Gadona. Airs Saturday & Sunday at 05:40.
- MEGA Stories - hosted by Dora Anagnostopoulou. Airs Tuesday at 00:10.
- Megali Eikona - hosted by Niki Lymberaki. Airs Thursday at 00:10.
- Super Balla Live - Sports Broadcast hosted by Antonis Karpetopoulos. Every Sunday at 23:50.
- Buongiorno - hosted by Fay Skorda. Airs Monday - Friday at 9:20.
- Hamogela Kai Pali! - hosted by Sissy Christidou. Airs Saturday & Sunday at 9:20.
- Fos Sto Tounel - hosted by Aggeliki Nikolouli. Airs Fridays at 23:20.
- The Chase - hosted by Maria Mpekatorou. Airs Monday - Sunday at 18:30.
- Al Tsantiri Niouz - hosted by Lakis Lazopoulos. Airs specific Wednesdays or Thursdays at 21:00.
- Exo Paidia - comedy
- I Gi Tis Elias - drama
- Mia Nixta Mono - drama
- Oi Athooi - drama
- Hotel Elvira - comedy
- Camping - comedy
- Tampou - drama
Foreign series
- Mr. Mercedes - American crime drama.
- For Life - American legal drama.
- Forensic Files - American documentary-style.
- Outlander - American historical drama.
- When Calls the Heart - Canadian-American romantic drama.
- CSI: Miami - American police procedural drama.
Sports broadcasting rights
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Super Cup
- ''UEFA Women's Champions League''
Reporters
- Nikitas Koronakis: Presenter of the main news bulletin
- Yannis Pretenteris: Newscast commentator
- Katerina Panagopoulou: Presenter of the main news bulletin on weekends
- Velika Karavaltsiou: Presenter of the midday newscast on weekends
- Katerina Nonta: Police editor and presenter of the midday newscast on weekends
- Dora Anagnostopoulou: Presenter of the daily noon news bulletin
- Georgina Malliarozi: Presenter of the midday newscast on weekends
Production and studios
During its peak years, MEGA maintained dedicated drama production units and collaborated with independent production companies for scripted content. Many of its drama series were filmed on location across Greece, contributing to increased domestic television production standards.
Audience and reception
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, MEGA Channel consistently ranked among the most-watched television networks in Greece. Several of its drama series and entertainment programmes achieved long-running success and were frequently rebroadcast in later years.Following its relaunch in 2020, the channel attracted significant attention due to the return of its news division and the revival of established programme brands. Viewer interest was particularly strong during major news events and the premieres of new scripted series.
Digital presence
In addition to terrestrial broadcasting, MEGA Channel maintains an extensive digital presence. Its official website offers live streaming, programme catch-up services, and access to selected archival content. The channel is also active on social media platforms, where it promotes programming, shares news clips, and engages with viewers.Archived MEGA productions continue to attract online viewership, particularly classic drama and comedy series from the 1990s and 2000s.
Slogans and branding
Mega Channel- 1989–1999: Το Θέαμα Αρχίζει '
- 1989–1999: Το Μεγάλο Kανάλι στη μικρή οθόνη '
- 1999–2000: 10 Χρόνια Mega '
- 2000–2002: Ραντεβού στο Mega '
- 2002–2004: Όλοι Mega '
- 2004–2005: I love TV
- 2005–09/2009: Megalicious
- 09/2009–02/2010: Το Mega είναι 20 '
- 02/2010–10/2014: Mega mou '
- 10/2014–12/2019: Mega Mega
- 07/2016–12/2019: Με την άδειά σας, συνεχίζουμε '
- 11/2019–06/2021: Mega Mou '
Logo and copyrights
Mega then launched a new logo in 1999 with the text 'MEGA', with 'ME' widened to the left and 'GA' widened to the right. This logo is still in use today.
The channel does regularly refresh its on-screen branding using the current seasons slogan. The channel also uses special idents at Christmas and Easter.
Brand identity
MEGA Channel has maintained a consistent brand identity centred on its logo and typography. While on-screen presentation has evolved over time, the core logo design introduced in 1999 has remained largely unchanged.Seasonal branding campaigns, anniversary idents, and thematic promotional packages have been used to mark milestones and special events throughout the channel’s history.