The decision would need the approval of the Council for Radio and Television (www.rrtv.cz), which was considering the request Tuesday.

The new station would broadcast nationwide starting in September, according to Czech press reports. TV Nova has issued no statements but broadcast council chairwoman Katerina Kalistova has reportedly confirmed the request. The station, owned by Bermuda-based Central European Media Enterprises (www.cetv-net.com), launched another entertainment channel, TV Five, in October.

The expansions are seen as avenues to make use of extensive libraries of serials and comedy films held by the station, which is co-owned by Time Warner (www.timewarner.com). If successful, the moves would help turn around disappointing earnings reports, which have cited an unanticipated fall in advertising dollars for the station.

Nova is the leading station of CME's network, which spans five countries in the former East bloc. It has already launched sport and cinema channels but is facing increased competition has terrestrial Prima (www.iprima.cz) plans the rollout of a documentary channel and public broadcaster Czech TV (www.ceskatelevize.cz) is readying a children's channel launch for next year.