CEE TV industry news stories

Chris Dziadul, April 5, 2024

 

 

New landmark for streamer Voyo

The streaming service Voyo now has over 800,000 paying subscribers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The figure was reached in mid-March and Voyo now looks well on course to reach the stated goal of 1 million subscribers by the end of 2025. News of the landmark figure was announced by the Czech Republic’s TV Nova and its CEO Daniel Grunt said that users spend an average of almost 15 hours a week with the service. TV Nova is owned by Central European Enterprises (CME) and Voyo is also present in four other CEE markets in which CME is present, namely Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Croatia.

 

Polish TV reception: the stats

Over half (51.9%) of Polish households capable of receiving linear services on TV sets or via the internet on devices with screens had a smart TV as of 2023. Furthermore, according to figures published by the country’s National Media Institute (KIM), over a third (38.8%) of such households connected their TV sets to the internet to gain access to non-linear services. In addition, 4.2% of such households only accessed TV channels via apps or only the internet. All told, 97.7% of Polish household were able to receive TV services. Of these, 93.3% had a TV set connected to TV signals or only the internet.

 

Amazon Prime boost for Ukraine

Movies and series from Amazon Prime with Ukrainian dubbing have appeared for the first time on the country’s OTT platforms. All told, subscribers to Kyivstar TV will be able to watch 11 movies and three series in Ukrainian. They include five seasons of the popular The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Kyivstar TV has invested in its Ukrainian dubbing of content from Amazon, which is being carried out by 1+1 Production.

 

NEM Dubrovnik announces figures

More than 135 buyers and over 80 companies have confirmed their attendance at NEM Dubrovnik, which will take place at the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace from June 10-13. Further details of what will be the 11th edition of the event can be found at: https://neweumarket.com/dubrovnik/

 

A1 Bulgaria introduces new TV plans

A1 has become the first operator to offer its users the opportunity to add up to four streaming services of their choice within their monthly subscription fee. The services include Netflix, HBO and Cinemax, MAX Sport and Diema Xtra. A1’s offer consists of three plans (A1 100+, 200+ and 200 MAX) and includes over 200 TV channels, up to 70 of which are in HD.

 

Streaming landmark in Slovakia

The streaming service JOJ play, which is operated by the Slovak national commercial broadcaster JOJ Group, now has over 400,000 registered users. Launched on April 1, 2022, its offer includes a free package and a premium one costing €4.99 a month. JOJ play can be received on smart TVs and iOs and Android mobile devices.

 

Ukraine’s K2 back on air

The Ukrainian TV channel K2 will go back on air on April 8 for the first time since the start of the war with Russia in February 2022. Operated by Inter Media Group and employing the slogan ‘Beauty and Love’, it will offer viewers telenovelas, talk shows and other popular programming.

 

Robert Erzin to head Slovenia’s T-2

Robert Erzin has been appointed the president of the Slovenian telco operator T-2. He was most recently the development director at the company and replaces Juret Valjavec, who held the position of president since 2015. T-2 has been present on the Slovenian market for 20 years.

 

Mixed picture for Russian video piracy

The market for pirated video services in Russia grew by 11% last year to R3.36 billion. However, according to Kommersant, quoting figures published by J’son & Partners, this was primarily due to the devaluation of the rouble, with the market falling in dollar terms by 13.3% to $39 million. Furthermore, piracy’s share of the total video market fell from 3.4% to 2.9%. The leading pirate services, in descending order, were Lostfilm, LordFilm and Zona.   

 

DTT tender in Poland

Poland’s National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) has announced a tender for two channels on the multiplex MUX-8. Interested parties have 45 days to have 45 days to submit their bids for licences, which will be valid for a period of 10 years. Local reports say that applications for the licences may be lodged by TV Republika and the Law and Justice (PiS) political party. Separately, KRRiT has awarded Wirtualna Media Polska a licence to operate a 24-channel named Patronite Travel. It has also allowed the company Golf Zone to change the name of its channel Golf Channel Polska to Golf Zone.

 

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© Chris Dziadul, 2024