Eltres TV: A Pillar of Broadcasting in Rosario, Argentina
Eltres TV (call sign LT 83 TV) is a prominent private, over-the-air television station based in Rosario, Santa Fe. Serving as the commercial representative for the national network El Trece in the region, the station blends high-profile national content with dedicated local reporting. It stands as the flagship property of the locally-based Grupo Televisión Litoral, which also operates Radio 2 (1230 kHz AM) and Plus FM (93.1 MHz FM).
Key Facts
- Founded: June 20, 1965.
- Ownership: Televisión Litoral, S.A.
- Affiliation: El Trece (Artear).
- Technical Reach: 30 kW transmitter with four translators covering the province.
- Channels: Analog channel 3 (VHF) and digital channel 32 (UHF).
Historical Evolution
The journey of LT 83 TV began when it received its federal license in August 1964, officially signing on the air on June 20, 1965. During the 1960s and early 1970s, the station relocated its studios multiple times to keep pace with the rapidly increasing demand for television services in the Santa Fe region.
A major technological milestone occurred on May 1, 1980, when the station transitioned to color broadcasting using the PAL-N system (the technical standard for color television in Argentina). This transition was celebrated with the broadcast of a military parade on June 20, 1980.
Throughout its history, the station has documented pivotal events, including the matches held in Rosario during the 1978 FIFA World Cup and the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1987. However, the station also faced challenges, including two tower collapses, the second of which occurred in 2007 and caused significant damage to the studios.
In terms of corporate evolution, the station was known as Canal 3 Rosario from 1965 to 2011, and as El Tres from 2011 to 2018. Following the passing of owner Alberto Casiano Gollán in 2015, a 55% stake in the license holder, Televisión Litoral, was acquired by local businessmen linked to the Fundación Libertad group for approximately US$13 million.
Programming and Content
As an affiliate of Artear's El Trece, the station primarily broadcasts national programming. However, it maintains a strong commitment to localism through the production of news and variety shows tailored to the Rosario metropolitan area.
Local programming highlights include:
- Antes de salir: A morning show.
- De 12 a 14: A midday program.
- Actualidad 3: A local nightly news broadcast.
- División Telenoticiosa: A midnight news program.
While the station has a wide reach via repeaters, its local news coverage focuses heavily on the metropolitan area of Rosario rather than the southern regions of the Santa Fe province.
Technical and Corporate Overview
The station is regulated by ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones), the national licensing authority in Argentina. It operates alongside several sister stations, including elseis TV, elocho TV, elnueve TV, and elonce TV.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Call Sign | LT 83 TV |
| Analog Channel | 3 (VHF) |
| Digital Channel | 32 (UHF) |
| Transmitter Power | 30 kW |
| Website | www.rosario3.com |
| Main Competitor | Telefe Rosario |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Eltres TV and El Trece?
Eltres TV acts as the commercial representative and affiliate of the national El Trece network in the Rosario area, airing its national programs while producing its own local content.
When did the station start broadcasting in color?
The station began color broadcasting on May 1, 1980, utilizing the PAL-N system.
Who currently owns the station?
The station is owned by Televisión Litoral, S.A., with a majority stake held by local businessmen associated with the Fundación Libertad group since 2015.
What local programs are produced by Eltres TV?
Key local productions include the morning show Antes de salir, the midday show De 12 a 14, the nightly Actualidad 3, and the midnight news program División Telenoticiosa.
How does the station reach viewers across the province?
Eltres TV uses a 30 kW transmitter and four translators to extend its signal across the province of Santa Fe.