On April 15, 2025, the wPolsce24 channel announced a significant upgrade to its broadcasting capabilities by integrating coding systems characteristic of the CANAL+ platform. This move, which adds Conax (CAID: 0B01) and Nagra MA (CAID: 1813, 1884) coding systems, is expected to enhance the channel's reach and accessibility for viewers across Poland.
wPolsce24 is an information and public affairs channel owned by Fratria, a media company that also publishes several well-known publications, including the weekly magazine "Sieci" and the monthly "Gazeta Bankowa." The channel currently has a reach of 72.4%, which is significantly lower than its competitor, Republika, which boasts a reach of 83.3%. However, the addition of wPolsce24 to the CANAL+ platform is anticipated to help bridge this gap.
According to Piotr Kaniowski, the spokesman for CANAL+, "The channel is being included in the satellite television offer to subscribers with the Relax+ package and higher, and will be added to the CANAL+ service at a later date." This strategic decision is expected to increase the channel's visibility and subscriber base, particularly among households that already have access to CANAL+ services.
The integration of wPolsce24 into the CANAL+ platform marks a pivotal moment for the channel, as it will occupy the 62nd position on the channel list, replacing Biznes24, which will be moved to position 294. This change reflects a broader effort to enhance the channel lineup for CANAL+ subscribers, who number approximately 2.7 million in Poland as of the end of 2020.
As part of this transition, the wPolsce24 channel will be available in standard definition (SD), and it is essential to note that it will not be a guaranteed channel within the CANAL+ offerings. This means that if the channel ceases to broadcast, subscribers will not have the right to terminate their contracts without penalties.
Until now, wPolsce24 was accessible through MUX-8 terrestrial digital television and various cable operators, including Polsat Box, Play/UPC Polska, Vectra, and Inea. The channel has also been available on YouTube, providing viewers with multiple options to access its content. The competitive landscape in Polish media is notably heated, with both wPolsce24 and Republika vying for viewer attention. The latter has long been part of the CANAL+ satellite platform and streaming service, which gives it a substantial advantage in terms of reach and subscriber engagement.
In recent months, the potential expansion of wPolsce24's reach through CANAL+ had been a topic of speculation. Reports indicated that earlier agreements with Cyfrowy Polsat, concerning transponder leasing, had posed challenges to this expansion. However, it appears that negotiations have successfully progressed, allowing wPolsce24 to join the CANAL+ family. This development is seen as a significant opportunity for Fratria to enhance its media presence and compete more effectively against established players in the market.
The technical parameters for wPolsce24's broadcast on the CANAL+ platform include transmission from transponder 10.758 GHz, vertical polarization, with a symbol rate of 27500 and a FEC of 3/4, utilizing the DVB-S2/8PSK standard. These specifications ensure a reliable and high-quality viewing experience for subscribers.
As wPolsce24 prepares to launch its new channel offerings on CANAL+, viewers can expect an increase in the variety of content available. The channel's focus on news and public affairs positions it as a critical player in the Polish media landscape, particularly in light of the growing demand for reliable information sources.
In conclusion, the integration of wPolsce24 into the CANAL+ platform represents a strategic move that could reshape the competitive dynamics of Polish television. As the channel gears up for its official launch on CANAL+, industry observers will be keen to see how this development influences viewer engagement and market share in the coming months.
