Marek Rutka, a left-appointed member of the National Media Council, warned journalists on Polsat News that material rejected from TVP VOD could face criminal liability.
There were reports that current affairs programs and documentaries disappeared from the VOD platform after it came under new management at TVP. The question many viewers ask is whether this constitutes censorship or simply editorial choices about what is published.
– he stated on air along with editor Bogdan Rymanowski.
They are removed from the platform, not physically destroyed. Yet there is a clear line drawn around content that spreads hatred, employs manipulation, or disseminates falsehoods. The speaker expressed confidence that the authors of such programs may eventually face criminal liability for spreading disinformation and inaccuracies. In his view, it is a prudent move not to distribute this kind of material.
– the member of the National Media Council asserted.
One question raised during the discussion asked whether material that is being withdrawn includes reports or documents concerning Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński.
– the presenter pressed for clarification.
“In the heat of events, swift decisions are needed.”
The speaker noted that the situation can be highly specific when a single piece of material or a handful of items are involved. He added that there is no intention to permanently remove significant programs, and they are expected to return to the platform in due course.
– Rutka explained.
He emphasized that rapid responses are essential in moments of rapid development. He urged de-escalation to protect public safety, life, and health, arguing that heated exchanges can push individuals beyond their limits and that responsibility lies with those who speak and decide in these tense moments. He also remarked with concern about the use of a public mandate and cautioned that an MP should not assume immunity from legal accountability or resort to intimidation or force.
– the remarks reflected a broader worry about the balance between editorial freedom and accountability within public media.
The dialogue suggests that the decision to limit certain broadcasts on TVP VOD may not mark the end of political friction over messages that dissent from the new government’s stance. Observers wonder whether future actions could involve sanctions against journalists who prepared material that challenges the administration’s narrative.
tkwl/X/Polsat News (citation: wPolityce)
NOTE: The discussion reflects concerns about censorship and media governance in a changing political landscape. It highlights how editorial choices, safety considerations, and legal accountability intersect in public broadcasting, and it invites readers to consider the implications for journalistic independence and public trust.