Initially born as a blog on the Internet, known for hosting and spreading alternative hypotheses and various conspiracy theories in the past,[2][3] it is a free and national channel, and is exclusively financially supported by donations from private citizens and some TV advertising, made by private subjects that are selected by Byoblu for their ethical policies.[4][5]
This latter decision was taken following a sudden closure and deletion of videos and content from their YouTube platform, due to accusations of scientific misinformation on the topic of COVID-19.[10][11] The channel had approximately half a million registered users,[12] from whom its founder then asked donations to be able to raise a sufficient amount of money to purchase a digital terrestrial channel, visible throughout the Italian territory.[4][10]
Since then, Byoblu continues to be supported by the offers of voluntary contributors,[13] stating that independence from financial giants can guarantee autonomy and freedom of information.[14]
In the last five months leading up to the 2019 European elections, the blog byoblu.com, in collaboration with the Five Star Movement (M5S), disseminated misleading information on Twitter, contributing to the spread of disinformation during the European elections.[21]
Byoblu has an online store with logistics and external warehouses that combine user purchases into a single shipping cost. The companies that offer their products in the online shop are the same ones that finance the short advertising breaks, which are broadcast by the television channel.[22]
Since July 14, 2024, Byoblu started a collaboration with Ars Europa, an Italian association that promotes the diffusion of art and classic culture through videos and modern 3D animation.[23]
Guests and schedule
The televiewers themselves are invited to participate in the creation of the Byoblu broadcast programming, which includes newscasts and information programs on current affairs, culture, economics, history, science, and spirituality, through proposals and suggestions,[24] such as in the program "È l'Ora della Verità".[25]
Various in-depth topics are focused in particular on medicine and politics, with the aim of giving voice to people, events and news deemed underrepresented by the official or mainstream media,[26] also giving space to theses classified in general as anti-establishment.[17]
The station intends to set up an association, which will have its own personal group of self-managed regional television networks, where members will be able to create the schedule and have a showcase for free and participatory discussion. Furthermore, the association will enter the so-called governance of the national television, with an annual general meeting in which the editorial line, the schedule and investment orientation will be discussed.[31]
Developments
It's revenue increased from 422k euros in 2020 to 3.5 million in 2022. However, to address severe cash-flow issues and significant personal debt, Claudio Messora has been advised to list the blog and TV channel Byoblu on the stock market. This move aims to raise funds from small investors and shift the debt burden to the market. In fact, in December 2023 Messora planned to transform Byoblu into a joint-stock company.[32][33]
^«Crediamo che l'informazione sia un servizio, crediamo che debba restare indipendente, crediamo che questo significhi libertà», from the "Official Website" (in Italian).