Digital terrestrial TV deal shuns commercial broadcasters

"Through a small, low-cost set-top box each Pole will gain access to dozens of TV channels, without the need for any satellite dishes, " said Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński, who was present at the event. The details of the agreement were not disclosed, but it appears to contradict earlier plans which envisaged the creation of a joint digital platform for all terrestrial broadcasters, public and commercial alike, as a first step in the development of digital terrestrial television in Poland.  Market analysts who spoke on condition of anonymity said the deal between the three companies, which are all directly or indirectly controlled by the state, could be meant to weaken the competitive position of commercial broadcasters. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 33; Puls Biznesu, p. 6; Parkiet, p. 11) R.M.