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2 channels
San Marino's television landscape is, by necessity, a fascinating study in microstate broadcasting. With only two channels officially, the Republic exists firmly within the gravitational pull of Italian television. Most Sammarinese homes tune into RAI and Mediaset as their primary viewing, making the local offering a distinct, but supplementary, experience. The cornerstone is San Marino RTV (SMRTV), the public service broadcaster. It's a unique entity, actually a joint venture between the Sammarinese state and Italy's RAI, giving it a somewhat hybrid identity. This partnership means SMRTV benefits from RAI's technical expertise and infrastructure, while maintaining a fiercely local focus. SMRTV dedicates significant airtime to news, local politics, and cultural events, providing a crucial window into the republic's daily life that larger Italian networks simply can't offer. But where SMRTV truly distinguishes itself is in its sports coverage. Given San Marino's passionate, if often underdog, presence in international sports, think football, motorsports at Misano or Imola nearby, or cycling, SMRTV acts as the authoritative voice for local sports fans. They'll broadcast everything from national team qualifiers to smaller club events, offering a perspective utterly absent from the larger Italian channels. This creates a television culture where national pride finds a specific outlet. While Italians might watch a pan-European football match on RAI 1, a Sammarinese viewer will switch to SMRTV for the local angle, the post-match analysis, or a documentary on a Sammarinese athlete. It's a small network with a vital role, ensuring the republic maintains its own distinct media voice, even when surrounded by the vast offerings of its Italian neighbor.