Disney channel looks at Polish media investment

US media giant Walt Disney Co. (WD) intends to launch a new Disney channel in Poland. The precise launch date is unknown but rumors are abound that the channel will start operations in September 2004. According to the Polish Economic Chamber for Cable Communication (OIGKK) uniting cable televisions, in this situation, the investor should have already started initial negotiations. "I don't recall anybody touching on this issue. However our source from one of the largest cable televisions claims that representatives of the US concern are currently probing the mood amongst the largest operators" said OIGKK's president Andrzej Ostrowski. A Gazeta Wyborcza source said, WD wants the Polish version of the Disney Channel to find its place in the premium package among subscriber channels such as HBO and Canal+, adding "It's quite obvious it will be a very popular family channel" on the Polish market. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Sept. 6-7; p. 31) A.Z.