Poland’s Journalists Rally Behind Independent Media With Defiant Open Letter as Warner Bros. Discovery’s TVN Feels Government Pressure
variety.comManori Ravindran Executive Editor of International Top editors are rallying behind Poland’s independent media as it comes under increased scrutiny from the country’s right-wing, nationalist government.
In a joint statement, the editors in chief of local outlets such as Fakt, Polityka and Gazeta Radomszczańska as well as international media such as Forbes and Canal+, have said they “declare our unwavering dedication to stand firm and defend the independence of Polish journalism.” “Newsrooms under our leadership will exhibit solidarity and resolutely inform the public about any attempts by the ruling party to exert influence over the media,” reads the statement. “Together, we will strive to preserve a media landscape that is free and independent, serving as the cornerstone of our democratic society and safeguarding the public’s right to access credible information.” (Read the full letter below, translated from the original Polish.) Poland will hold elections later this year for the Sejm (general parliament) and the Senate.
In the lead-up to the elections, media control appears to be a top agenda item for the ruling coalition party, Law and Justice (PiS).
It’s believed that PiS leaders are using the media to polarize the public, suggesting their reporting is aligned with Russian propaganda and ultimately detrimental to Polish values.
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