In an interview on Polish Radio 24, Krzysztof Paszyk, a member of the Polish People’s Party (PSL) and a representative of the Third Way faction, asserted that his group has never supported dissolving Poland’s public media. While acknowledging the need for reforms, Paszyk emphasized that liquidation is off the table, and that the focus should be on changes that strengthen the public broadcasting system.
The PSL deputy clarified the party’s stance on public media, outlining a clear distinction between implementing reforms and eliminating public institutions. He stressed that there has always been, and remains, a belief in maintaining a robust public media landscape in Poland, which includes national radio and television outlets.
Reforms, not dissolution, for public media
Paszyk noted that the terms reform and liquidation should not be conflated. He reassured listeners that the political current behind the PSL and the Third Way does not advocate shutting down Poland’s public media. He underscored the importance of reliable, impartial information about national affairs and described the public broadcasters as essential in delivering such coverage.
Responding to questions about opposition proposals and petitions that some opponents have circulated to dismantle or privatize public TV and radio, Paszyk argued that the Civic Coalition would lack the parliamentary support to push through any such plan. He recalled the 2015 period, when he says journalists with long-standing experience were dismissed amid what he described as an atmosphere of partisan praise within public media under the then-governing team.
“Changes must restore balance.”
Paszyk contended that Polish television had begun to exclude voices that differ from the party currently in power and had started to target certain social groups and minorities. He warned that some public media had contributed to an environment of animosity, and he highlighted the need for reforms that would reintroduce balance and broader representation within public broadcasting.
He insisted that changes should not threaten the existence of public media but should instead broaden coverage to reflect the country’s diversity and history. Paszyk reiterated that the aim is an inclusive, informative public service that informs citizens while preserving cultural coverage and historical memory.
Paszyk returned to the message that reforms should bring equilibrium to the public media ecosystem and prevent the emergence of excessive political influence. He reiterated his position that changes are necessary, but liquidation is not part of the PSL’s plan.
Critique of the public media landscape
During a recent gathering of the National Media Council, a statement was issued in response to opposition remarks about pursuing actions that could violate the law against public media. The council reported that three members supported the stance, with two opposed, and declared its commitment to defending the public media and their personnel against actions perceived as unlawful by critics in the opposition.
The council asserted that anyone found breaking the law would face appropriate consequences. Currently, the public media boards are appointed by the National Media Council in accordance with legal provisions. Members include Krzysztof Czabański, Joanna Lichocka, and Piotr Babinetz, who were elected in 2022 to six-year terms. The council also includes Robert Kwiatkowski and Marek Rutka, who were nominated by the left.
The discussion around these issues continues to unfold in Poland, with observers noting the ongoing tension between reform objectives and concerns about media independence. This debate touches on how public broadcasting should balance editorial autonomy with national expectations and political accountability.
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PAP/rdm
Source: wPolityce