The recent protest at the headquarters of Poland’s state TV company by lawmakers from the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party has sparked a nationwide issue regarding the depoliticization of the country’s public media. The protest took place as parliament in Warsaw was adopting a resolution calling for independence, objectivity, and pluralism in public TV. However, instead of voting, PiS MPs headed to the TVP headquarters in Warsaw and began a sit-in protest to defend “media pluralism.” This action was a response to the new pro-EU government led by Donald Tusk, which has been reversing PiS reforms. The former president of the European Council has moved swiftly to dismiss PiS appointees from government bodies and appoint new heads of state security, intelligence, and anti-corruption offices. The protest highlights the battle between PiS and the coalition government, with media control becoming a key issue in the struggle for power.
Poland’s state media plays a crucial role in providing news to the public, as around a third of the population relies solely on it. However, there have been concerns that state media is often partial to the government in power. PiS, during its time in office, had significantly increased its control over TVP’s narrative by changing media laws, appointing sympathetic journalists, and limiting foreign media ownership. This has led to a decline in Poland’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. The recent protest by PiS lawmakers against the new government’s reforms is seen as an attempt to protect their influence over TVP and maintain control over media narratives.
The sit-in protest has stirred debate over the concept of media pluralism, with PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski arguing that TVP acts as a conservative bulwark against private broadcasters supporting the new coalition government. On the other hand, the new government aims to restore media independence and make TVP more objective and impartial. The government’s plan includes a limited purge of TVP personnel who have violated journalistic standards, leading to the loss of up to 60 jobs. The planned changes are expected to be implemented by Christmas.
The protest has also triggered a response from President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, who has the power to veto legislation. Duda has emphasized the need for any changes to state media to be carried out in accordance with the law. This highlights the potential resistance the Tusk government may face in its efforts to reform the country’s media landscape.
Overall, the occupaThe opposition sit-in at the state broadcaster TVP led by PiS lawmakers highlights the ongoing battle between the former ruling party and the new coalition government. The protest aims to defend PiS’s control over media narratives and opposes the new government’s efforts to depoliticize public media. The impact of the protest will likely depend on the response from the new government, public opinion, and any potential legal challenges that may arise during the planned changes to state media.
