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132 channels
Polish television offers a fascinating case study in how broadcasting culture can evolve uniquely, even within Europe. Dominated by the public broadcaster TVP and two powerful commercial networks, Polsat and TVN, the landscape is fiercely competitive, especially during primetime. Evenings are when family dramas, big-budget reality shows, and talk programs capture millions. It’s a busy schedule, often with locally produced series that resonate deeply with national audiences, frequently exploring Polish history or contemporary social issues. What truly sets Polish TV apart for foreign viewers is the widespread use of the *lektor*, or voice-over narrator, for most imported films and series. Instead of full dubbing or subtitles, a single, often male, voice reads all dialogue over the original audio track, which is kept audible in the background. This tradition is deeply ingrained; children's programming is usually dubbed, but for adults, the *lektor* is the norm. News consumption is robust, with TVP Info often reflecting the public broadcaster's current editorial line, while TVN24 provides a more commercially-driven, often critical perspective, showcasing a clear split in the country's media discourse. Sports broadcasting is huge, particularly for football, with the national team and the Ekstraklasa league drawing massive viewership. Beyond football, winter sports like ski jumping enjoy surprisingly passionate followings. While Polish is, of course, the dominant language across channels, the broader satellite and IPTV offerings in the market mean viewers can access niche international channels in English, Spanish, Turkish, or Belarusian. This mix creates a dynamic and often politically charged media environment, distinct from many Western European neighbors who lean more heavily on subtitled content or full dubbing for foreign fare. It's a market that understands its audience and delivers content on its own terms.