The deadline for submitting bids to acquire TVN from Warner Bros. Discovery passed on Friday, January 31. According to a report by Niezalezna.pl, one of the interested parties is Wirtualna Polska Holding, linked to InPost CEO Rafał Brzoska. Shortly after, it emerged that billionaire Michał Sołowow’s investment fund had also entered the competition. Now, Rzeczpospolita reveals a third contender—Media For Europe, a group owned by the heirs of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Why is TVN Up for Sale?
Speculation about the potential sale of TVN began in late summer 2024, when reports surfaced that Warner Bros. Discovery was considering offloading its Polish media asset due to financial difficulties, despite TVN itself being highly profitable. Given TVN’s significant role in Poland’s media and political landscape, the news immediately sparked intense debate and speculation.
The prospect of a change in ownership has drawn reactions across Poland’s political spectrum. Right-wing supporters see it as an opportunity for a shift in the channel’s editorial stance, which has traditionally favored liberal and left-wing viewpoints. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition, led by Donald Tusk, reportedly reacted with concern, fearing a potential political shift.
Who Will Take Over TVN?
According to previous reports by Niezalezna.pl, InPost’s Rafał Brzoska had been considering a bid, with speculation that TVN’s editorial stance could align with his potential presidential ambitions. Some reports suggested that Czech billionaire Renáta Kellnerová, whose PPF fund is a major shareholder in InPost, could be involved in the purchase. Allegedly, concerns over such a scenario prompted Tusk to add TVN to a list of strategically protected companies.
Later, Radio ZET confirmed that two Polish investors—Michał Sołowow and Wirtualna Polska Holding (potentially in partnership with an entity linked to Brzoska)—had shown interest.