Free and pluralistic media are one of the most important elements of democracy. The essence of their duties is to watch the actions of public authorities and reveal information important for the public. The media may only fulfill these duties whenever they remain independent from the influence of politicians.

 

We see the draft of the Act on amending the National Broadcasting Act, presented today, as an instrumental attempt to exert pressure on one of the largest private television broadcasters in Poland – TVN S.A., and to limit its freedom of operation. The proposed changes, if they are implemented, will constitute another step towards limiting the media’s freedom to operate, the pluralism of public debate, and the citizens’ right to information.

 

As a social organization which has always safeguarded the freedom of speech and the right of journalists to freely perform their profession, we strongly oppose to the plan of introducing changes to the Polish media market, aimed at further subordination of the media to those in power. Each such step weakens the social control of public authorities and hurts democracy.

 

On behalf of the Management Board of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights

 

 

Source: Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights