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JOJ Television Announces End of Free Broadcasts in Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia – JOJ Group has announced a significant change in its broadcasting strategy, revealing plans to end the free transmission of its channels – JOJ SD, Plus SD, WAU SD, and JOJ 24 HD – via traditional terrestrial digital broadcasting, effective January 1st of the coming year. This decision will directly impact households across Slovakia that currently receive these channels using standard antennas without a monthly subscription.
What Does This Mean for Viewers?
The alteration specifically affects individuals who depend on receiving JOJ SD, PLUS SD, WAU SD, and JOJ 24 through free, over-the-air signals. Viewers with existing subscriptions to paid services like Plustelka,utilizing the same terrestrial infrastructure,will continue to have access. Marcel Grega, CEO of JOJ Group, stated the company remains committed to providing access to its programming through choice platforms.
Alternative Viewing Options
JOJ Group emphasizes that its channels will remain accessible through various other methods. These include the Plustelka multiplex, a paid digital terrestrial broadcasting option, alongside satellite television services, cable providers, and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) or Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. Furthermore, the company is actively investing in its online streaming service, JOJ Play.
JOJ Play provides live broadcasts, an extensive archive of past programs, and exclusive premium content, such as special sports coverage and early access to new releases. Currently, access to JOJ Play is offered without a subscription fee.
Towercom’s Perspective
Towercom, the operator of the terrestrial broadcasting network, confirmed it engaged in negotiations with JOJ Group but ultimately failed to reach mutually agreeable commercial terms. Marcel Šatanek,CEO of Towercom,affirmed the company’s dedication to maintaining a reliable and accessible free-to-air television service. Towercom is actively seeking new broadcasting partners to utilize the available capacity.
A Broader Trend in Slovak Television
This shift by JOJ occurs within a broader context of evolving television landscapes in Slovakia.Markíza, a competing television group, discontinued its free DVB-T broadcasts back in 2017, transitioning to a pay-television model. This ongoing trend raises concerns about accessibility and affordability for viewers.
| Channel Group | Free DVB-T Status (as of Oct 20, 2025) | Alternative Access |
|---|---|---|
| JOJ Group (JOJ SD, Plus SD, WAU SD, JOJ 24 HD) | Ending January 1st | Plustelka, Satellite, Cable, IPTV/OTT, JOJ Play |
| Markíza Group (Markíza, Doma, Dajto) | Discontinued (since 2017) | Paid services only |
| STVR (Jednotka, Dvojka, :24, Šport) | Available | Free DVB-T |
Did You Know? The transition to digital television in Slovakia has been ongoing since the early 2010s, with the goal of freeing up spectrum for other uses. USTVgo provides a global overview of digital TV transitions.
Pro Tip: If you rely on a standard antenna for television reception, consider researching Plustelka or other alternative providers to ensure uninterrupted access to your favorite channels.
Looking Ahead
The cessation of JOJ’s free broadcasts marks another step in the consolidation of the Slovak television market. Viewers are increasingly reliant on paid subscriptions or online streaming services to access a comprehensive range of channels. the future of free-to-air television in Slovakia remains uncertain,but Towercom’s search for new broadcasting partners offers a glimmer of hope for continued accessibility.
What impact will this change have on your viewing habits? Do you think free-to-air television has a sustainable future in Slovakia?
Understanding DVB-T and Plustelka
Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) is a standard for broadcasting television signals over the air using a digital signal, offering improved picture and sound quality compared to older analog systems. DVB-T is a great source for more detailed facts.
Plustelka is a paid digital terrestrial broadcasting service in Slovakia. It offers a wider range of channels than free DVB-T, but requires a monthly subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will happen to JOJ channels if I don’t have Plustelka? They will no longer be viewable via standard antenna on January 1st.
- Is JOJ Play a good alternative to traditional broadcasting? JOJ Play offers a convenient way to watch live and archived content, but requires an internet connection.
- What other channels will remain available on free DVB-T? STVR channels (Jednotka, Dvojka, :24, and Šport) and TV Lux will continue to broadcast free-to-air.
- Will this change affect the quality of the signal for Plustelka subscribers? No, Plustelka subscribers will continue to receive the JOJ channels as part of their subscription.
- What does Towercom plan to
