Dublin channel offers programme for Polish community

A cable television channel for the greater Dublin area is to broadcast the country’s first ever dedicated Polish programme, it emerged today.

City Channel revealed news magazine show Oto Polska would give viewers the chance to catch up on political, cultural, entertainment, news and sports events from all over Poland.

David Harvey, City Channel founder and chief executive, said it was the first in a series of programmes aimed atethnic groups in the capital.

“We are delighted to be the first TV station to cater for ethnic communities and provide a broad service for all ethnic communities living in Dublin.

“A similar offering will come on air in the future for the Filipino, Russian and Chinese communities living in Dublin which I believe proves our strong commitment to provide a broad service which includes programmes of interest to emigrant audiences living in Dublin.”

The channel is due to hit the air waves in September offering a range of city based lifestyle shows. Oto Polska is due to air for the first time towards the end of the month.

Around 41,000 Poles have come to Ireland in search of work since the country joined the European Union, due to 18% unemployment in their homeland.

Malgorzata Kozic, Consul with the Polish Embassy in Dublin said the show would be a huge benefit to the city’s Polish community.

“We really welcome this development as it will help Polish citizens in Dublin keep up to date with happenings back home – it’s a great idea,” she said.

The channel is due to begin broadcasting to 110,000 homes next month before targeting a potential audience of 450,000 along the east coast from as far north as Dundalk and to Greystones, Co Wicklow in the south.