In a rally in Bydgoszcz, Donald Tusk claimed that once the Civic Platform won the elections and formed a new government, Telewizja Polska would undergo changes within 24 hours, carried out through legal mechanisms. A concrete plan, however, was not disclosed by the party leader, while Tomasz Głogowski offered a different, surprising option. A Civic Platform MP suggested turning off the power to the broadcaster as a means to force a change.
Tusk’s plan for rapid changes to TVP
It is worth remembering that at a gathering with supporters in Bydgoszcz, Tusk criticized Telewizja Polska, branding it as a “mouthpiece for the party” and a “PiS television.” He asserted that after winning the elections and forming a new government, changes at TVP would follow almost immediately, using lawful channels and processes.
Despite past perceptions of public television as the voice of a single party, Tusk proclaimed that the service would belong to the people, not to the ruling party, and certainly not to the Platform, the Coalition, or the Left. It would belong to Polish men and women, he said, affirming the broadcaster’s duty to serve the public interest.
Following an election victory and a new government formation, he claimed that 24 hours would suffice before PiS television would be recast as a public channel. He hinted that the details of the plan would not be shared publicly, emphasizing that no new law or presidential permission would be required because legal mechanisms could be employed to achieve the change. He added that once TVP returned to a public framework, it would spend substantial time reporting accurately on the new government’s rule.
Commentary around this topic drew attention to questions about TVP’s future and how swiftly the broadcaster might pivot in response to political shifts. The conversation touched on whether TVP would shed its current editorial posture and how the public would perceive such a transition.
— A respondent asked whether there would be no further liquidation of TVP, to which Tusk signaled a crackdown plan that could transform TVP’s public role within a short window. Observers noted the emphasis on rapid change and accountability in the public broadcasting landscape.
— Tusk faced questions about avoiding direct engagement with TVP’s reporters, with some voices calling attention to concerns about press scrutiny and government communication. The dialogue highlighted the tension between governmental oversight and journalistic independence.
— Discussions emerged about TVP Info and potential consequences, including references to criminal liability, as some critics labeled certain actions as criminal activities. The debate reflected broader disputes over media governance and accountability.
The MP’s stated plan and its implications
During a discussion on Radio Piekary, Civic Platform MP Tomasz Głogowski was pressed to explain Tusk’s intentions regarding Polish television. He framed Tusk’s statements as indicative of real actions rather than metaphor, yet he did not provide operational details about how those actions would unfold. In an unexpected twist, Głogowski presented his own idea regarding the broadcaster’s future, signaling a potential utility knife approach to media reform.
When questioned about concrete steps, he indicated readiness to consider drastic measures, including actions that would directly interrupt broadcasts from Woronicza to prevent content from airing during the transitional period. He framed this as a necessary move to safeguard Poland’s public interest during the takeover.
Who might execute a power cutoff at TVP? The inquiry pointed toward the state or authorities acting on the Prime Minister’s direction, underscoring the political weight of decisions that affect national media infrastructure. Głogowski remained convinced that Tusk’s resolve would carry through to practical outcomes, reinforcing the belief that significant changes in the country’s public broadcasting could be imminent.
Overall, the conversation highlighted a readiness within the Civic Platform to pursue bold changes in public television, with a focus on restoring TVP’s status as a public service while addressing concerns about editorial independence and public accountability. The dialogue reflected broader questions about governance, media integrity, and the role of public broadcasting in Poland’s democratic landscape.
Source attribution: wPolityce