11-02-2009

TVP increases ad rates

By Katarzyna Grynienko
    Polish public broadcaster TVP raised the prices of commercial time, in a search for additional profits as part of the station's new development plan.
    The commercial rates for March 2009 went up 10% in comparison to March 2008. The launch of new programming, characteristic for this time of the year, also caused a 50% price increase in comparison to February 2009. The most expensive 30 second slot will cost around 90,000 PLN (€20,000), 24% more then last year.

    TVP has undergone several changes in recent months. At the end of 2008 Piotr Farfał was appointed president of the station, replacing Andrzej Urbański. Program Office Director was assigned to Hanna Andrzejczyk and Piotr Lenarczyk became Director of the International Cooperation and Trade Office. TVP ( www.tvp.pl) announced additional management changes at local branches in Warsaw, Katowice, Rzeszów, Kraków and Wrocław.

    The changes are partly in response to problems with the content of programs produced and broadcasted by TVP. The station has introduced new standards of information, reliable journalist commentary connected to the public debate, higher standards of entertainment without entering the competition with commercial stations, and the development of genres connected to the social mission such as reportage and documentary.

    TVP's Board appointed a committee overseeing television genres, which would significantly improve the production activities of the station. By March 10 the Committee will prepare guidelines for production financing and the disposal of capital gained by the station from sources including commercial fees, and a new pay system for the artists and producers involved in TVP projects.