Paramount Global, the American media conglomerate, is set to discontinue several of its television channels in Poland by the end of 2025, according to a spokesperson for Orange Polska in an interview with wirtualnemedia.pl. The affected channels include TeenNick, NickMusic, Polsat Comedy Central Extra, and a suite of MTV-branded channels: MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live, and Club MTV. When contacted by satkurier.pl, Paramount representatives in Poland declined to comment on the announcement, leaving industry observers and viewers awaiting official confirmation.
This comes as Disney over the last few yeras has also shut down many of its cable TV networks in international markets inclduing Eruope and parts of Asian. This includes shutting down the Disney Channel in these markets pushing people to Disney+.
The decision aligns with Paramount Global’s broader cost-cutting strategy as it prepares for a merger with Skydance Media. This follows reports from zive.sk last week, which revealed similar channel closures in Slovakia and Hungary, and Media Insider’s disclosure of planned terminations of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. in New Zealand. The closures are part of a larger restructuring effort that includes layoffs and studio consolidations, reflecting the company’s response to a challenging media landscape. All as spotted by NickALive.
In Poland, the impacted channels cater to diverse audiences. TeenNick Polska, launched in September 2021, targets viewers aged 10 to 16 with older live-action Nickelodeon series and teen-focused TV movies. NickMusic Polska, which replaced MTV Music in June 2021, offers music content tailored for children and teenagers. Polsat Comedy Central Extra, introduced in March 2020, features international sitcoms like Friends and Keeping Up Appearances, alongside Polish favorites such as Świat według Kiepskich. The MTV channels—MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live, and Club MTV—focus on music videos and live performances from specific decades or genres, with most originating from Paramount’s Polish operations. For instance, MTV 80s, launched as VH1 Classic in 2005, rebranded in 2020 to focus on 1980s music, while MTV Live HD, which began in 2008 as MTVNHD, shifted to live music programming in 2011.
These channels, primarily broadcast in standard definition and commercial-free, are available on platforms like Polsat Box and CANAL+ via satellite and cable networks. They fall under Paramount Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia (EMEAA), a division of Paramount International Networks, wholly owned by Paramount Global.
The closures signal a strategic pivot for Paramount, which is grappling with declining linear TV viewership and increased competition from streaming platforms. In Poland, Paramount will continue to operate core channels like Nickelodeon, NickToons, Nick Jr., MTV Polska, Paramount Network, and Comedy Central. Additionally, the company co-owns the SkyShowtime streaming service with Comcast in Europe and may consider launching its free, ad-supported streaming television platform, Pluto TV, in Poland, following rollouts in other markets.
The termination of these niche channels has sparked concern among Polish viewers, particularly younger audiences and music enthusiasts who value the specialized programming. Industry analysts suggest that Paramount’s focus on streamlining operations could redirect resources toward digital platforms, but the loss of these channels may leave gaps in the Polish media market.
As the deadline approaches, stakeholders await further details on how Paramount will manage the transition and whether affected programming will find a new home on its remaining channels or streaming services.
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