TVP3 (formerly TVP Regionalna, known also as Regionalna Trójka or Program 3 Telewizji Polskiej) is a Polish TV channel, run by the public broadcaster, TVP and dedicated to the country's regions. It has regional branches in most of the major Polish cities and, similarly to the France 3 in France or Rai Tre in Italy, for a couple of hours every day it broadcast regional programming, including local news and reports. On 20 December 2023, TVP3's signal was shut down and instead, TVP2 started being broadcast. On the same day, the website was shut down and started redirecting to the main TVP website, but on 26 December 2023, the channel returned to the air.
In the early 1990s, the regional branches of Telewizja Polska (TVP) began launching full-day regional programming, while still airing selected segments (mainly local news) as local slots within the TVP2 schedule.
In 1994, the first management board of TVP S.A. realized that the regional branches were not yet capable of filling several hours of daily programming. Consequently, the eleven existing regional centers at the time decided to create a shared programming block. To coordinate their work, the Office of Regional Branches (Biuro Oddziaà Âów Terenowych) was established on 1 April 1994, initially headed by Janusz Daszczyà Âski.
On 5 September 1994, ten TVP centers launched a daily, nearly four-hour block of shared program and advertising content. It began at 3:10 p.m. with the animated fairy tale âÂÂAbdallah ziemski i Abdallah morskiâ ("Abdallah of the Earth and Abdallah of the Sea"). The block was divided into three parts:
This system of shared programming was named "The Network" (SieÃÂ).
In July 1996, TVPâÂÂs management established the twelfth regional branch â OTV Biaà Âystok. However, the Biaà Âystok center did not yet launch its own programming that year.
By 2001, the shared programming block accounted for over 75% of regional broadcasting time. The block was compiled by the Office of Regional Programs (Biuro Programów Regionalnych â BRP) in Warsaw. The remaining airtime consisted of local programming, independently produced by TVPâÂÂs regional branches.
In 2001, the twelve regional branches of TVP held a 3.5% share of the Polish TV market. Local programming was broadcast on weekdays in the following time slots:
On weekends, the hours differed slightly:
The regional programming schedule had a universal character. The main portion of airtime consisted of feature films, series, and animated films, which together made up 53.3% of annual broadcast time. Most films were American productions (11%), followed by Polish (5%) and British (3.3%).
Other program categories by share of annual airtime in 2001 were as follows:
By the autumn of 2000, regional broadcasting segments were already using a shared name and logo â TVP3. The shared programming block also adopted this branding.
On 3 March 2002, TVP3 officially launched, replacing the previous regional programs across Poland. All TVP regional stations were reorganized as regional branches of TVP3, airing their local programs in designated time slots on the shared nationwide feed. As a result, TVP3 was treated as one channel with local windows.
The channel offered a variety of content, primarily news and current affairs, but also feature films, documentaries, TV series, magazines, and sports coverage. Its flagship news program was Kurier.
From late August 2002, parliamentary sessions of the Sejm were broadcast exclusively on TVP3âÂÂs national feed, whereas they had previously also aired on TVP2.
In March 2003, the channel received a new visual identity and logo. On 7 September 2003, Kurier and TVP3âÂÂs public affairs shows adopted new studio designs, featuring white and green colors inspired by the new logo. Around the same time, Telewizja Polska began trial video streaming of TVP3 via mobile networks.
By January 2004, the Warsaw version of TVP3 was already available on the Canal+ satellite platform.
In 2006, TVP3 held a 4.8% share of the Polish television market. Among the programs that made up both the national shared schedule and the regional programming slots, news and current affairs broadcasts had the largest share â accounting for nearly 54% of the annual airtime in the national block and 48.4% in local programs.
On average, regional TVP3 branches broadcast just over 4 hours of programming per day.
Other program categories by airtime share in 2006 included:
On 2 January 2007, TVP3 introduced a new schedule featuring a significantly increased number of news bulletins. These not only presented news but also broadcast live press conferences and events.
The bulletins lasted about 15 minutes each and were aired on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:30 a.m. every 15 minutes, and from 10:00 a.m. every 30 minutes. On weekends, they were aired hourly.
The graphic design of the channel was also changed â from then on, it used a red color scheme with some white accents[24], while the stationâÂÂs logo remained green.
Regionalna Trójka (Regional Channel Three) ended broadcasting on 5 October 2007, and the following day, TVP Info was launched in its place.
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On 6 October 2007, the TVP3 channel was replaced by TVP Info, which had an informational and regional profile. The launch of the new channel did not significantly affect the regional centersâ programming, which continued as before â initially without the number "3" in their logos.
On 1 December 2007, these were replaced by logos modeled on the national design.
From 1 September 2013, TVP Info became an independent, 24-hour news channel, while the regional centers reverted to the name TVP Regionalna.
On 23 May 2013, during the international conference âÂÂThe Role of TVP Regional Branches in the Development of the Information Societyâ at the University of Warsaw, Telewizja Polska (TVP) announced plans to create a new regional channel that would replace all local TVP stations in Poland. According to the plans presented, the new TVP Regionalna (initially referred to as TVP3 Regiony) would broadcast 18âÂÂ20 hours of programming daily, gradually increasing its airtime. The schedule was to include 4.5 hours of original programming and 2.5 hours of co-produced content, with a strong emphasis on news and public affairs.
On 1 September 2013, the sixteen regional branches forming TVP Regionalna became part of the newly established Center for Regional Programming (Oà Ârodek Programów Regionalnych). On the same day, regular broadcasting began at 7:00 a.m., and the channel became available on the third national digital terrestrial multiplex (MUX 3). On 6 September 2013, TVP Regionalna (TVP Warszawa only) joined Polsat Box, and on 9 September, it was also added to Canal+, Telewizja na KartÃÂ, and Orange TV.
On 22 October 2013, a new information portal was launched at regionalna.tvp.pl. That year, TVP Regionalna organized New YearâÂÂs Eve concerts in Rzeszów, Katowice, and Wrocà Âaw, broadcast nationwide and featuring popular Polish artists such as Doda and Bajm. Between 7 and 23 February 2014, the channel also retransmitted events from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi during late-night national programming blocks. In 2014âÂÂ2015, it aired live speedway matches from the Nice Polish Speedway League (also on TVP Sport). From autumn 2014, the station began broadcasting weekend film slots and Polish TV series, including the comedy series à ÂwiÃÂta wojna and the docu-soap Przedszkolandia; in spring 2015, reruns of the telenovela Plebania began from the very first episode.
Local programming on TVP Regionalna was broadcast 4.5 hours on weekdays and 5.5 hours on weekends.
During this time:
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On 17 November 2015, during the conference âÂÂRegional Public Television, or Public Television of the Regions?â held at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznaà Â, which was attended by the Director of the Regional Programming Center of TVP, Bogumià  Osià Âski, and the Director of TVP Poznaà Â, Lena Bretes-Doroà ¼aà Âa, information was announced about the return to the name TVP3.
On 17 December 2015, a new website under the address tvp3.tvp.pl was launched, replacing the previous portal regionalna.tvp.pl.
On 2 January 2016, TVP3 returned to Polish screens, replacing TVP Regionalna. The common nationwide programming block was shortened, and each regional branch increased the length of its local programming. On 4 January 2016, new morning and afternoon time slots were introduced. Originally, this was meant to be the beginning of a much broader reform planned for the spring of 2016.
According to the 6+6+4 concept proposed by the then president of TVP, Janusz Daszczyà Âski, each of the 16 regional channels was to broadcast 16 hours of regional and local programming daily, divided into two 6-hour blocks (7:00âÂÂ13:00 and 13:00âÂÂ19:00) and one 4-hour block (19:00âÂÂ23:00). The six-hour block would be repeated in parts during the remaining hours, so that individual programs would appear two or three times per day. The plan also included hourly news flashes created under the Mojo concept (mobile journalism).
Within the 6+6+4 framework, several universal and supra-regional programs were also to be broadcast across all 16 regions, including Mà Âodzieà ¼ kontra... produced by TVP3 Kraków, Telekurier by TVP3 Poznaà Â, and Kultowe rozmowy by TVP3 Bydgoszcz. However, in February 2016, TVP withdrew from the plan after Jacek Kurski became the new president.
On 26 June 2016, TVP3 broadcast the premiere of the oratorio âÂÂZ powodu mojego imieniaâ (Because of My Name) by Piotr Rubik and Zbigniew KsiÃ à ¼ek, performed at the Kadzielnia Amphitheatre in Kielce. The concert was organized by the Papal Association Aid to the Church in Need.
In 2019, the Regional Channel (Regionalna Trójka) began broadcasting live matches of the Polish Second Football League.
From 30 March to 2 June 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TVP3 broadcast educational lessons for grades IVâÂÂVI of primary school as part of the School with TVP (Szkoà Âa z TVP) project.
From 18 May 2020, the station began daily transmissions of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy from the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in à Âagiewniki, Kraków.
From 18 June 2020, the Studio Lotto program â live draws of number games and lotteries organized by Totalizator Sportowy â began airing on the nationwide feed of TVP3.
As part of the Winter Break with TVP campaign (Ferie z TVP), from 4 to 17 January 2021, the common feed of TVP3 aired daily programming for schoolchildren aged 10 and above, from 8:00 to 13:00, without commercial breaks between shows. The lineup included films, series, and educational and lifestyle programs. Each day concluded with a family feature film broadcast in the evening.
On 4 October 2021, a new programming schedule launched, introducing shows such as Poranek TVP3 (TVP3 Morning), which featured live segments from regional branches, and thematic blocks focusing on gardening, cooking, womenâÂÂs interests, and lifestyle advice. According to thenâÂÂTVP3 director Paweà  Gajewski, nearly 90% of all productions were to be commissioned from the regional branches to strengthen their position.
From 24 February 2022 (the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine) until 2024, TVP3 also retransmitted the TVP Wilno news service Info Wilno.
On 15 September 2022, a new information block TVP3 Info was launched, broadcast Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:30, replacing most programs previously aired during those hours.
On 27 February 2023, TVP3 began cooperation with Polish RadioâÂÂs Channel 3 (Program III), rebroadcasting Salon polityczny Trójki (Political Salon of Trójka) on weekdays and à Âniadanie w Trójce (Breakfast on Trójka) on Saturdays.
On 1 June 2023, all 16 regional TVP3 stations became available for free streaming via the TVP VOD website and mobile application.
In 2023, TVP3 organized a series of open-air summer concerts titled Roztaà Âczona Polska â letnia trasa TVP (Dancing Poland â TVP Summer Tour). The tour began in Bogatynia on 14 May 2023 and continued through numerous cities, including Gorzów Wielkopolski (21 May), Stalowa Wola (28 May), à Âomà ¼a (4 June), Gryfino (18 June), à Âowicz (25 June), Ostrów Wielkopolski (2 July), Jaworzno (9 July), Wà Âadysà Âawowo (16 July), Cheà Âmno (23 July), Sochaczew (30 July), Zamoà Âà(6 August), Myà Âlenice (13 August), Opole (20 August), Sandomierz (27 August), Ià Âawa (3 September), à  alÃÂininkai (17 September), Daugavpils (24 September), Warsaw (30 September), and Cheà Âm (8 October). The concert series featured performances by well-known Polish artists such as Karolina Stanisà Âawczyk, Jakub Szmajkowski, Kombi, Weekend, Defis, Top Girls, Andrzej Rybià Âski, Capitan Folk, Topky, à Âobuzy, Boys, Halina Fràckowiak, Stachursky, Camasutra, Weà º Nie Pytaj, Masters, Felivers, Grupa Volt, Viki Gabor, Mià Ây Pan, Czerwone Gitary, Mejk, Doda, Paulla, Kajra, Sà Âawomir, Norbi, Kamil Bednarek, Daj To Gà Âoà Âniej, Skolim, Rafaà  Brzozowski, Marcin Siegieà Âczuk, Michaà  Wià Âniewski, PiÃÂkni i Mà Âodzi, Szpilki, Bajorek, Extazy, Playboys, Akcent, Jorrgus, and Milano.
In January 2018, TVP president Jacek Kurski announced in an interview with the weekly Wprost that regional branches of TVP would begin producing programs in HD quality. In March of the same year, he also announced the modernization of TVPâÂÂs broadcast vans to HD technology and the purchase of four new vans for the regional branches in Gdaà Âsk, Katowice, Lublin, and Poznaà Â.
On 28 February 2022, the TVP branches in Gdaà Âsk, Lublin, and Poznaà  received new HD broadcast vans, which could be quickly upgraded to 4K quality, delivered by president Jacek Kurski. The vans were equipped with two replay stations, the latest Sony vision mixer, an advanced audio mixer (allowing, among other things, surround sound operation), and system safeguards that ensured continued operation even in case of failure. Connecting all four vans together enabled the broadcasting of events using up to 36 cameras simultaneously.
At that time, Paweà  Gajewski, head of TVP3, also announced technological investments in all regional branches and their transition from SD to HD broadcasting. He stated that the shared network block (the common national programming of TVP3) would switch to HD production between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. The transition was completed on 15 February 2022, when the shared TVP3 program and the Warsaw regional program began broadcasting in HD quality via cable networks, on the TVP Stream platform, and in the TVP GO app. Until 3 October 2022, they also operated on TVPâÂÂs test DVB-T2/HEVC multiplex.
On 20 November 2023, HD broadcasting was also launched on satellite platforms.
Local TVP3 programs were switched to the new HD picture standard in connection with PolandâÂÂs transition from DVB-T/MPEG-4 to DVB-T2/HEVC terrestrial broadcasting. Initially, this change was scheduled for 2022, but it was delayed due to the extension of MUX 3 broadcasting in the old standard until the end of 2023.
Finally, the change in picture quality standard took place in two stages in mid-December 2023, after which all regional branches began broadcasting in HD quality:
Due to changes in the management of Telewizja Polska, Polskie Radio, and the Polish Press Agency (PAP) introduced by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage Bartà Âomiej Sienkiewicz, on 20 December 2023, around midday, the TVP3 channel (both the shared block and regional branch programs) was suspended. During this time, TVP2âÂÂs signal was broadcast instead.
On 26 December 2023, after 10:00 a.m., TVP3âÂÂs shared block resumed broadcasting. On 28 December, local programming from the Kraków and Poznaà  branches returned, and in the following days, other regional centers gradually resumed broadcasting as well.
After the resumption of the shared programming, the TVP3 Info block and rebroadcasts of Radio TrójkaâÂÂs current affairs programs were removed from the schedule.
TVP3 channels are broadcast free of charge as part of the nationwide third multiplex of digital terrestrial television (MUX 3). They are also available in all cable networks and on digital satellite platforms (where only TVP3 Warszawa is offered), in accordance with the so-called must carry rule â a provision in the Broadcasting and Television Act that requires every television operator to offer seven mandatory channels. These include three public channels â TVP1, TVP2, and TVP3 â and four private ones â TVN, Polsat, TV4, and TV Puls.
On 27 October 2010, TVPâÂÂs regional branches began broadcasting their programs on MUX 3, within the local windows of TVP Info, and a year later also on MUX 1.
On 1 September 2013, regional programming moved to TVP Regionalna and began broadcasting exclusively on MUX 3, while TVP Info was available only on MUX 1 until 15 February 2014, when the channel was moved to MUX 3.
From 15 February to 3 October 2022, TVP3 Warsaw was available in HD quality on a test multiplex broadcast in the DVB-T2/HEVC standard.
On 9 January 2004, the TVP3 Warszawa became available on the Canal+ platform. On 2 February 2006, the same version began broadcasting via the Astra 2C satellite (later Astra 1KR) and was only partially encrypted, making the channel also accessible through FTA digital receivers. The Astra transmission, which by then carried the full-time news channel TVP Info, was shut down on 1 January 2015.
On 6 September 2013, TVP Regionalna (only the TVP Warsaw edition) joined Polsat Box as a new channel, and on 9 September it was also added to nc+, Telewizja na kartÃÂ, and Orange TV (TVP Info, in its new format, remained available on these platforms). On 2 January 2016, TVP3 replaced TVP Regionalna. On 20 November 2023, satellite transmission was upgraded to HD quality, along with the channel TVP Seriale.
Currently, the station (again, only TVP3 Warsaw) is available exclusively via the Hot Bird satellite on digital platform transponders.
Since 25 February 2013, all regional TVP channels have been available free of charge online through the TVP Stream website and app.
From 14 February 2022, they have also been accessible via the TVP GO app, available for iOS and Android devices.
On 1 June 2023, the signal of all 16 regional stations was also made available free of charge on the TVP VOD website and app.
Since 2 September 2024, local programming blocks of TVPâÂÂs regional branches have been broadcast for 5 hours daily â every day from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and from 9:00 p.m. to 10:10 p.m.
Apart from its own productions, TVP3 also airs reruns of shows from TVP1, TVP2, and TVP Info, as well as Polish TV series, soap operas (mainly Turkish), broadcasts of state ceremonies, Holy Masses, religious programs, and also short advisory shows.
Since 18 May 2020, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy has been broadcast daily from the Sanctuary in à Âagiewniki, Kraków. Since 18 June 2020, Studio Lotto has been broadcast live â the evening draws of number games and lotteries organized by Totalizator Sportowy.
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