Mutual admiration society?
A government group made up of representatives from publishing organizations will be formed to work on solutions regarding changes to the Copyright Act, as stated by Bartosz Węglarczyk, editor-in-chief of Onet and chair of the Polish Media Council, after today’s meeting between the prime minister and the media.
Today’s gathering brought together Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Senate Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, and media representatives to discuss amendments to the copyright law tied to the EU Digital Single Market directive. The goal was to clarify how the law implements the EU DSM Directive and to explore practical changes that could balance the interests of publishers and content creators with those of digital platforms.
What was said after the meeting?
Editors-in-chief and leaders of organizations representing publishers who signed an open letter on copyright changes earlier this year were invited to participate. The mood during the discussions was described as constructive and positive. The participants agreed that a government group, consisting of publishers’ representatives, would move quickly to identify solutions acceptable to both sides. The Prime Minister and the President of the Senate, both present at the session along with the Minister of Culture, gave assurances that the Senate Committee would consider amendments to the Copyright Act promptly and then pause further proceedings until this group completes its work.
Węglarczyk, speaking after the meeting, noted that the suspension of deliberations would stand until the group and the government determine the content of the law. Once decisions are reached, the Senate plans to meet again soon within the same month to adopt amendments in the form agreed by the group.
The editor added that the Prime Minister also pledged to discuss the matter with the Speaker of the Sejm, so the Sejm could review the Senate’s amendments and pass the bill during its last session in July. The overall impression from the meeting was positive, with the expectation that the changes would enable publishers and journalists to engage with large tech companies on a more equal footing, supporting the survival of journalism in Poland.
In discussing principles, it was emphasized that financial independence underpins journalistic independence. Publishers of all sizes should be able to compete with big tech on equal terms, ensuring a fair playing field in Poland’s media landscape. The group is expected to meet soon, with the consensus that it should be small to allow for rapid progress. The plan is for the group to begin work immediately, with the Senate session on July 24 as a deadline for delivering results.
These developments come after a wave of appeals from publishers and journalists to lawmakers to amend copyright provisions and related rights that were seen as unfavorable to the media. The calls argued that when the digital copyright regulation was adopted, the industry’s demands for implementation were not adequately addressed. There is a push for mechanisms to mediate disputes between platforms and publishers over royalties, compensation for online publication of content, and protections against copying.
Analysts note that changes could come swiftly. What began as cautious promises has evolved into a coordinated effort by media groups to secure a seat at the table. The aim is to ensure that the press can negotiate from a position of strength with technology platforms while preserving journalistic independence and the viability of the sector.
Further coverage and commentary on the session highlighted that there are no deep-seated conflicts of interest among the key players, and that the conversations were aimed at finding workable compromises rather than scoring political points. The government’s invitation to publishers signals a willingness to engage directly with the press on a complex issue touching on finance, legal rights, and the digital economy.
In summary, the negotiations center on guaranteeing financial autonomy for media outlets and authors alike, empowering them to compete fairly with tech giants. The ongoing dialogue seeks a balanced framework where content creators can secure fair compensation while maintaining the accessibility and openness that define the digital information ecosystem. The process will continue as stakeholders work toward concrete amendments that reflect these shared goals, with the hope that Polish journalism continues to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.
— A summary of the discussions, attributed to ongoing reporting in Polish media coverage [citation: wPolityce].