During today’s press conference, Jan Grabiec, the head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, discussed the situation surrounding TVP. He asserted that a group of aggressive individuals entered the building at 11 a.m., among them PiS MPs. He also suggested that the absence of Teleexpress yesterday was tied to actions by PiS MPs. These remarks framed a broader debate about the future of public media in Poland.
Immediate corrective action
The prime minister, Donald Tusk, has begun talks with President Andrzej Duda about initiating a comprehensive reform of public media. Grabiec described the effort as broad in scope, aiming to reflect the views of all stakeholders and to ensure that the changes withstand public scrutiny and social dialogue. He emphasized that the process should be transparent and inclusive, incorporating input from various sectors of civil society.
At a press briefing, Grabiec also referenced a Sejm resolution regarding public media. He noted that the resolution cites the December 13, 2016 Constitutional Court ruling and calls for immediate corrective measures to restore the rule of law and improve access to information for citizens, pending the introduction of appropriate legal solutions. This framework, he said, justifies a new order for public media that involves broad public engagement and careful consideration of all viewpoints, including those from creative communities and civil society associations.
He further indicated that discussions on a new public media order should proceed in an atmosphere of social dialogue, ensuring that all interested parties can contribute to the process, including representatives from journalism, science, and media freedom advocates.
Grabiec recalled that the topic had been under discussion for eight years, with many groups seeking to strengthen public media so it could serve as a window to the world for Polish public opinion rather than an arm of the ruling party. He asserted it was time to steer TVP toward a model that aligns with real public service and journalistic independence.
The aim, he said, is to shape a well-ordered public media landscape that earns trust from the public and aligns with democratic standards about transparency and accountability. Public consultations would be a central element of this effort, ensuring real opportunities for dialogue among citizens and stakeholders.
Grabiec stressed that the government would pursue a good order in public media and welcomed ongoing conversations with the presidency and the active participation of journalism professionals. He stressed that the reforms would consider input from scientists and those focused on media freedom to reinforce the integrity and credibility of public broadcasting.
The discussion, he added, should ultimately lead to a robust public media system that stands as an independent institution with real editorial freedom, not an instrument of political actors. He said the aim was to turn TVP into Telewizja Polska by restoring its core mission and function for the public interest.
In this frame, openness and broad consultation are seen as essential. The government intends to implement measures that allow for full public discourse, with a view toward stronger oversight, accountability, and statutory clarity for public media entities.
Grabiec also referenced current events at TVP, noting the desire for clear explanations of the actions taken by the supervisory and executive boards. He described the events around the leadership transition and the attendance of deputies and other participants during meetings, underscoring the need for thorough investigation by police and prosecutors where appropriate and for judicial review of any excessive behavior or obstruction of duties.
He called on all those involved to remain calm and to refrain from aggressive actions that disrupt public media operations. Citizens deserve reliable information and stable public media that serves the needs of the entire society, not just a segment of it.
Grabiec concluded by reaffirming his expectation that TVP staff would continue to deliver programs promptly and reach all audiences. The situation, he noted, requires answers grounded in law and demonstrated public responsibility, and it will be up to authorities to determine any legal repercussions for inappropriate conduct by bystanders or officials. The emphasis remained on restoring trust and ensuring that public media can operate without interference.
Observers and participants in the public debate are watching closely to see how the government will balance reform with constitutional protections and the right to information. The overarching message is a commitment to transparent processes, open dialogue, and a return to coherent, citizen-focused public broadcasting. Political actors are urged to approach this transition with measured steps and to allow independent institutions to carry out their duties without intimidation or obstruction. The public, meanwhile, awaits clarity on how the new framework will affect programming, governance, and media freedom going forward. (Source: wPolityce)