First trials of new Catalan language RTVE channel, 2CAT, to begin on September 11

Spanish public broadcasters RTVE will launch their new Catalan language channel, 2CAT, on Catalonia's National Day celebration, September 11.

In an interview with RTVE, the presidency minister Albert Dalmau said that he expects the station to be "fully operational" in October.

Authorities hope to finalize the agreement in April, and say that the contract will last for 15 years to give the project "stability."

Dalmau says the current government has helped to make the new station possible, and praised the "commitment" of the Spanish government, led by the same Socialist Party, to a diverse and multilingual Spain. 

The new station will be directed by journalist Oriol Nolis. He used to be the RTVE director in Catalonia as well as working in several news bulletins since joining the broadcaster over 20 years ago.

The name of the station, 2CAT, follows the trend in RTVE broadcasting history of setting up its channels following numbers: La 1 and La 2. It is also a mention to Catalonia's public broadcaster 3CAT, which used to be named CCMA. The latter organization features TV3 television and Catalunya Ràdio radio station.

RTVE managing board unanimously passed on Friday the creation of the 2CAT project.