Malgravean Broadcasting Service
| Social Solidarity Company | |
| Industry | media |
| Founded | 1 May 1941 |
| Headquarters | Rensk , |
Area served | Global |
| Products | Broadcasting,, websites |
| Services | Television, online |
| Owner | Social Solidarity Investment Fund |
Number of employees | 12,831 (2022/22) |
| Website | http://www.mbs.ms |
The Malgravean Broadcasting Service is a major television broadcaster in the United Kingdom of Malgrave. It was initially founded within the Socialist Republic of Malgrave as the national broadcaster, however, since the Epping-Rensk Agreement has served as a competing broadcasting service.
History
In the early stages of the Malgravean Civil War, the Socialist Republic was primarily focused on matters of survival, however, the stabilisation of frontlines allowed more time to be focused on civilian matters. In response to concerns from the populace, the Socialist Republic decided to establish a national broadcaster for the purpose of coordinating the creation of television and radio broadcasts in the country.
The Malgravean Broadcasting Service was established in 1941. Initially, MBS had no internal production capacity and simply hired local worker-owned enterprises to produce content for the network, however, over the years these connections grew and eventually, MBS had defacto organisational control over these companies in conjunction with the trade unions.
MBS channels showcased a mixture of shows during this era from light dramas to educational documentaries and shows dedicated to the discussion of socialist theory such as the works of Marks, Nefreedian socialism and tours of Breheim.
After the Epping-Rensk Agreement and the dissolution of the Socialist Republic, the fate of MBS was uncertain with many notable figures at the time favouring forcibly disbanding the company, however, no action was taken and the company continued to operate as a workers' cooperative producing content primarily serving the former Republic.
In the Lost Decade MBS ran into massive financial problems as previous financial backers had to reduce sponsorship or closed themselves, and the company again faced a major threat of dissolution. Rescue came when a fan-launched campaign persuaded the Social Solidarity Investment Fund (SSIF) to take a controlling stake
Television Channels
MBS operate a number of channels which are accessible 24/7 on several formats.
MBS One
MBS One is the flagship channel and is where the company places its most popular productions. Historically, this channel would also be used for the broadcast of memorable occasions such as space missions launched by the SRM. It also held theory hours with popular communist figures, with the most popular event being works of Monika Chmiel read from an orbiting cosmonaut. Presently MBS produces more standard programming such as historical and medical dramas, with Path to Justice being a popular show.
MBS Two
MBS Two is the secondary channel. It is known for showing shows targeted towards a younger audience, with Music Research Project being among the most popular shows on the channel.
MBS Three
MBS Three features shows that are designed to cater to the regional pride of the territories of the Socialist Republic. Factory Tour, a show that highlights the work done by various industries and Weekly Worker, a programme that celebrates the achievements of workers are the most popular shows here. A lot of work on this channel was frequently censored, however, due to work done by Nadzieja Brzezicki, this isn't an issue.
MBS Four
MBS Four is an educational channel. It often shares some nature documentaries with the Malgravean Broadcasting Service, however, it also broadcasts some of its programming on topics from the civil war to wider regional history.
MBS Pioneers
MBS Pioneers is a channel that shows a variety of children's shows. It was under stringent government oversight prior to 2018 due to concerns over propaganda, however, these controls were released following a review of government policy.
MBS Sport
Historically, MBS Sport used to broadcast sporting events from within the SRM and socialist-aligned states in Mystria. Since the collapse of the SRM, it has switched to show a broader range of sports, although, it still tends to focus on events in Crystal Spires and Breheim.
MBS News
MBS News is a rolling 24/7 news service which operates like MBC News or TVN News. It is known for being the most neutral broadcaster in the country and often receives a large uptick in viewership during a crisis.
MBS Live
In response to the launch of MBC Play and TVN Play MBS launched MBS Live in 2006, a similar streaming service designed to play broadcasts on MalTec and other electronic devices.
MBS was initially blocked from joining the archive project formed between MBC and TVN, however, following the election of Nadzieja Brzezicki this blockage was removed and work was completed in 2020. It is now possible to watch the entire catalogue of MBS content.
Revenue
MBS is funded partially due to product placement arrangements, however, a large source of its revenue also comes from voluntary contributions from residents. In 2020 it was reported that Rhee Chae-Yeong contributed funds to the network and helped raise money for efforts that led to the creation of MBS Live.
Since 2018 MBS has also been allowed to join MBC International and the company receives a portion of revenue from this arrangement.