Zygmunt Solorz

Meet Zygmunt Solorz: The Billionaire Who Controls Polish Media

Who is Zygmunt Solorz?

Zygmunt Solorz is a Polish entrepreneur and media mogul. He is the founder and majority owner of the largest private media group in Poland, Polsat Group. Solorz is also a member of the Polish parliament and a former senator.

Solorz's Early Life and Career

Zygmunt Solorz was born in 1953 in the village of Wierzbica, Poland. He began his career as a truck driver before starting a small business in the 1980s. In 1992, he founded Polsat, which initially focused on broadcasting television programming via satellite.

Expansion of Polsat Group

Under Solorz's leadership, Polsat Group has expanded its operations to include television, radio, publishing, and telecommunications. Polsat now operates a network of television channels, including the flagship TV4 and the news channel Polsat News. The group also owns several radio stations, newspapers, and magazines.

Solorz's Political Career

In addition to his business interests, Solorz has also been active in politics. He was elected to the Polish parliament in 2005 and served as a senator from 2011 to 2015. Solorz is a member of the Law and Justice party, which has been criticized for its authoritarian tendencies.

Control Over Polish Media

Solorz's control over Polish media has raised concerns about media pluralism and independence in the country. Critics argue that Polsat Group's dominant position in the media landscape gives Solorz undue influence over public opinion. Solorz has defended his media ownership, arguing that it is necessary to ensure a diversity of voices in Polish media.

Personal Life and Wealth

Zygmunt Solorz is married and has two children. He is one of the wealthiest people in Poland, with an estimated net worth of over $2 billion. Solorz is a keen art collector and owns a number of valuable paintings.