RTL and Al Jazeera interested in Mediast’s pay channels

International broadcasters RTL Group and Al Jazeera have reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring Mediaset’s pay TV channels.

The news, first reported by Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, comes after Pier Silvio Berlusconi, vice chairman of the Italian media company, said that a number of foreign investors had approached Mediaset, potentially interested in acquiring its pay TV business or striking a pay TV partnership. However, Berlusconi added that its pay TV business Mediaset Premium, is an important strategic division in the company’s defence against rival pay TV operator Sky Italia.