The guests of the program Salon Dziennikarski on TVP Info discussed Radio ZET’s report about the husband of Marshal Elżbieta Witek, who was treated in the intensive care unit of a Legnica hospital.
First, the marshal met with the authors of the piece and tried to explain the sensitivity and complexity of the situation. The meeting did not prompt any corrections in the article, a result that drew criticism of the authors from observers.
Peter Semka, a publicist for the weekly Do Rzeczy, noted that journalists covering this topic should handle it with utmost care. If there is any doubt about a potential serious violation of journalistic standards, they should steer clear of the subject.
The article was described as insinuating and as part of a political campaign connected to the upcoming elections. It was stressed that everyone has the right to legal protection of life, including the spouse of a prominent politician.
Mark Formuła, editor-in-chief of Gazeta Gdańska, underscored this point and highlighted the broader implications for public life.
“This is the destruction of the norms of public life.”
Maciej Pawlicki, a film producer and publicist, criticized the publication of Radio ZET very sharply. He argued that the piece undermines the standards of public life and political engagement, an erosion that he linked to the period following the Smolensk tragedy. He warned that the style used echoed methods reminiscent of past political intimidation and created standards shaped by certain political figures involved in that period.
There was a call to disengage from what some described as a troubling atmosphere created by the coverage, with the suggestion that isolation was the proper response to what was seen as excessive sensationalism.
The discussion concluded with a sentiment that the issue represented a brutal attack. Many acknowledged the pain and distress faced by Marshal Witek, who has been dedicated to her work and to Poland. Critics argued that if she had exploited professional dependencies, she might have sought to move her husband to a different ward, but she chose not to do so.
Marzena Nykiel, editor-in-chief of the wPolityce.pl portal, described the situation as a stark affront to professional ethics and to the dignity of public service.
tkwl/TVP info